Janice Toay, 83, of Stockton, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Lafayette Hospital, Darlington, WI. She was born on December 17, 1942, to Willis and L. May (Vickers) McKee in the parlor of her uncle's farmhouse in Rush Township. She graduated from Warren High School in 1960, and married Denis "Denny" Toay on September 10, 1961, at the Warren United Methodist Church.

Janice and Denny raised three children and farmed for 10 years near Winslow and Nora, before settling in Rush Township in 1974, first on the homestead, then in the cabin they built in a valley at the edge of the farm.

A bookkeeper most her life, Janice had stints as a high school librarian, insurance agent, and wallpaper hanger/painter. She was the longtime secretary for the Black Hawk Park District, where she coordinated payroll and staffing and managed Warren's "pool kids," a group she adored. She was a member of the District #205 School Board and Rush Township Supervisor, retiring in 2014 after 25 years of service.

A Rush Township historian and family genealogist, Janice traced both sides back as far as she could go. She was the go-to for stories and memories. She loved quilting, sewing, cross stitch, bird and wildlife watching, ribeye sandwiches and ice cream, crossword puzzles, Badger football and basketball, women's basketball, and keeping up with Facebook happenings. She enjoyed bluegrass and country music, especially The Statler Brothers, the swoon-worthy Conway Twitty, and Florida jam sessions where her friends sang and played.

Most of all, Janice loved being "Grammy." She was fun and nurtured traditions, played songs and games, and took her grandkids on walks to the Hundred Acre Woods behind the farm. She made many chocolate milkshakes - she would say for the kids but, truth is, they were a good excuse to have one herself. She was her family's biggest cheerleader. Her imprints on the family, like her quilted table runners, are everywhere.

Janice is survived by her husband of 64 years, Denny; children Lisa Novak and Garrett (Bridget) Toay of Stockton, and Brian (Joanne) Toay of Mineral Point, WI; five grandchildren: Alex Novak, Augie and Junie Toay, and Sarah and John Toay; brother Gaylord (Kathy) McKee; eight nieces and nephews; many cousins; and too many friends to count.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Colleen McKee; in-laws John and Thelma Toay; brother- and sister-in-law Jim and Linda Neff; and many special dogs, with Lab Bucky holding a special place in her heart.

A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 am, at the Warren United Methodist Church, 101 East Jefferson Street, Warren, IL. Pastor Matt Smith will officiate.

A fellowship luncheon will be held in the church basement after the service.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Her final resting place will be her beloved Rush Township, where she resided for 70 of her 83 years.

A memorial has been established in her memory.

Janice was tied to the land and nature. When you share the shenanigans of a squirrel or hummingbird or celebrate a full moon by reminding loved ones of the date and its Native American name, you will honor her beautiful spirit and zest for life.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com