Janis A. (Berkey) Dygert, 84, passed away on August 27, 2025, at her residence. She was born in Elkhart on February 11, 1941, to the late Willam and Evelyn (Whiteman) Barkes.

Janis is survived by her husband of 44 years, Jim Dygert of Elkhart; children, Scott Funk of Jones, MI, Darci Funk of Palm Harbor, FL, Billie Jan (Kevin) Owens of Goshen, and Nicole (Brent Bramwell) Jones of Anderson, IN; step-children, Todd (Mary) Dygert and Bryan (Lori) Dygert both of Bristol; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; her lifelong best friends since Kindergarten, Nancy and Karen; and two fur babies, Tiffy and Katie. In addition to her parents, Janis is also preceded in death by her stepson, Scott Dygert.

In accordance with Janis' wishes, cremation was chosen and will take place at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart. A private family celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Elkhart County Humane Society, 54687 Co Rd 19, Bristol, IN 46507. The family would especially like to thank the kind staff at The Center for Hospice Care, specifically Nurse Kim and Nurse Laura, for their exceptional service. They made Janis as comfortable as possible during her final moments, and their kindness meant a lot to her family over the past two years.

Janis was an independent woman with an ornery side to her. She married Jim Dygert on August 22, 1982, and together with their children, they enjoyed traveling together to the East Coast and staying in Maine or Cape Cod. During their children's Spring break and Christmas Vacation, they would often go to Florida to enjoy the beach and be out on the water. Janis enjoyed living out on the Elkhart River and would spend many summers out on the pontoon or lounging in their pool.

In her spare time, she enjoyed trips to the Casino and loved to play the slot machines. Janis would often visit with Nancy and Karen where they would meet up for brunch and enjoy each other's company for hours. She also had a love of luxury cars that she enjoyed over the years from her favorite 67' Corvette to her recent Jaguar. Janis' feisty and free spirit will be deeply missed by her loving family and many friends.

Elkhart County Humane Society
54687 County Road 19, Bristol IN 46507
Tel: 1-574-848-4225
Web: http://www.info@elkharthumanesociety.org