Janet Gilkes 1937-2025

She was born Feb. 26, 1937, in Warren, the daughter of William McKinley and Helen May Jones Baldwin.

A 1955 graduate of Niles McKinley High School, Janet worked as a seamstress, as an elevator operator at Bank One and in the nursery at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.

She excelled at playing the organ, knitting and sewing, and she made dresses for her granddaughters. She liked to exercise her active mind by doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles. There were never enough crossword puzzles for her and her jigsaw puzzles were card-table size.

Precious memories of Janet live on with three sons, Ernie E. Gilkes Jr. (Annette) of Lorain, Reginald Gilkes of Warren and Thomas Ellison of Mineral Ridge; three daughters, Myra Jean Code of Columbus, Sandy Wilson of Warren and Marilyn Fraser of Youngstown; 19 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her beloved husband of nearly 39 years, Ernie E. Gilkes Sr., whom she married June 21, 1977, and who passed Feb. 16, 2016; her grandson, Kenneth Fraser; and her sister, Betty Caldron.

Calling hours will be 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, where services will begin at 2 p.m., with Elder Ernie E. Gilkes Jr. officiating. All who knew and loved Janet are welcome to attend and celebrate her remarkable life.

Arrangements were entrusted to Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated to serving your loved ones. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.

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