Janette Ellen Zieg Furkin
Janette Ellen Zieg Furkin, age 95, died peacefully on January 26, 2019 in Campbellsville, Kentucky. Born in Randolph, Nebraska on August 27, 1923, she was the youngest child and only daughter of Joseph L. Zieg and Nell Kennedy Zieg. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her older brothers, Raymond Gene Zieg and Jack Zieg.
On August 18, 1943, she married James C. “Perk” Furkin, who also predeceased her. They were married for 65 years and together raised three children who survive – James Furkin of Campbellsville, Tana Cooke of Bonita Springs, Florida and Scott Furkin (Mary Pace) of Louisville. She is also survived by five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Having professed faith in Christ at an early age, she was an Elder of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and a longtime member of Bethel First Presbyterian Church. Known as “Miss Janette” to several generations, she operated Campbellsville Kindergarten at the church for more than 25 years. Each school day began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance and the students were taught the alphabet, numbers, colors and other basics along with important socialization skills such as how to share and work cooperatively with others.
As a co-owner of Top Hat Caterers, she applied her creativity and culinary skills to produce memorable receptions, parties and events, spreading hospitality across central Kentucky for nearly 25 years. She was a proud Kentucky Colonel.
Among the first generation of American women born with suffrage, she took an interest in public affairs and always exercised her right to vote, including in the most recent election where she voted by absentee ballot. For 20 years, she worked at the polls every primary and general election day.
A member of the “Greatest Generation,” she shared its common values – duty, honor, economy, courage, service, love of God, family and country and, above all, responsibility for oneself. She saw the good in everyone, smiled even in the midst of adversity and reveled in the company of family and friends.
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VISITATION: 5:00 – 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at Parrott & Ramsey Funeral Home and after 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at Bethel First Presbyterian Church
FUNERAL SERVICE: 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at Bethel First Presbyterian Church in Campbellsville by Rev. Jim Murphy
ENTOMBMENT: Brookside Mausoleum
EXPRESSIONS OF SYMPATHY REQUESTED TO BE DONATIONS TO BETHEL FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OR KOSAIR CHARITIES AND MAY BE MADE AT PARROTT & RAMSEY FUNERAL HOME
