Janice Lee Proud

Janice Proud, age 90, of Buchanan, passed away on November 26, 2025. She was born on November 28, 1934, in Buchanan, Michigan, to the late Eldon Kingery and Gertrude (Rossow) Kingery.

Janice was a proud 1952 graduate of Buchanan High School. On June 16, 1954, she was united in marriage to Dale Proud, who preceded her in death in 2020. Together they built a loving family and shared many cherished years.

She began her career immediately after high school at Clark Equipment, where she worked until 1961. Janice then joined Buchanan Metal Forming, serving as a machinist for 23 years until its closing. She later retired from Snyder Vending. Beyond her professional life, Janice was an avid volunteer, giving her time generously to programs such as Meals on Wheels. She was also a dedicated member of the Fraternal Order of the Eastern Star, where she served proudly as Worthy Matron.

Janice was known for her terrific cooking and her joy in hosting family gatherings. She loved being outdoors—whether mowing the lawn, picking up sticks, feeding the animals, or shoveling snow. Keeping her driveway meticulously clean during the winter was a passion she took pride in. Her warmth, energy, and devotion to her family and community will be remembered fondly.

She is survived by her children, Larry (Sheila) Proud, Diane (Mark) Smuda, and James “Jim” Proud; grandchildren, Derek Hoskin, Samantha Proud, Haley (Kevin) Dey, Jenna (Cameron) Collier, and Brian Proud; and great-grandchildren, Brooks Dey and Mason Collier. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Proud; her parents, Eldon and Gertrude Kingery; and her brother, Clifford “Dutch” Kingery.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Palmer Funeral Home – Hoven Chapel, 414 E. Front St., Buchanan, MI. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the start of services. Janice will be laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan immediately following the service. Memorial contributions may be made in Janice’s honor to Caring Circle Hospice, 4025 Health Park Ln, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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