Jill Ann Cardenas
April 30th, 1977 - November 29th, 2024
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
Jill's Obituary
Jill Cardenas, 47, passed away unexpectedly late on the evening of Thursday, November 28, 2024, at her home in Hartford, Michigan. Starks & Menchinger Chapel – 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI, has been entrusted with arrangements.
Jill was such a bright light in this sometimes dark world and will be deeply missed by all lucky to know her. She touched the lives of so many across multiple generations. During her time with us, she always made a point to help anyone with whatever she could, never second-guessing her decision. Anyone who knows Jill knows that her family meant everything to her.
Her love of life was evident in the way she lived. Everyone who met Jill loved her from the moment of that first meeting. If you didn’t love her, she changed your mind simply by telling you, “I know you love me, right?” For us, she is that pebble thrown into a lake as the lives she touched act as ripples that extend far beyond her immediate family.
Jill fell in love with Justin, the quiet boy two doors down, while attending Hartford High School. They continued dating throughout their attendance and graduation from Michigan State University. They married on September 28, 2002. After several years of marriage, they decided to add to their family and had their daughter, Alissa. This grew their family and their love for each other.
Jill’s love transformed the lives of everyone she encountered. With her smile and unbounded love, she brought a bounty of beauty to everything she did. She loved to volunteer at the church, at the many events that Alissa was involved in, and at anything that could help the community. She could connect with people, share herself, and evoke that same spirit of love in each person she knew.
Jill is survived by her husband, Justin, daughter, Alissa, as well as her parents, John Jonatzke and Janice Jonatzke (Clarence LaCombe). Her extended family includes her sister, Jennifer (James) Juarez, her brother, John Jonatzke, Jr., and niece, Samantha (Nick) Rosalez. Additionally, her in-laws including her father and mother–in–law, John Cardenas (Judy) and Linda Cardenas (David Smith), Adrienne (Brad) Reisig, and Arianne (Chad) Fizzell, as well as nieces and nephews Dylan, Josie, and Cash.
Jill was preceded in death by her nephew Wyatt Fizzell.
Her funeral will be held at Hartford United Methodist Church in Hartford, Michigan on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 1 p.m. The family has requested donations to Gift of Life Michigan in place of flowers. You can donate directly online at https://giftoflifemichigan.org/charitablegiving/make-a-contribution<br>
Jill was such a bright light in this sometimes dark world and will be deeply missed by all lucky to know her. She touched the lives of so many across multiple generations. During her time with us, she always made a point to help anyone with whatever she could, never second-guessing her decision. Anyone who knows Jill knows that her family meant everything to her.
Her love of life was evident in the way she lived. Everyone who met Jill loved her from the moment of that first meeting. If you didn’t love her, she changed your mind simply by telling you, “I know you love me, right?” For us, she is that pebble thrown into a lake as the lives she touched act as ripples that extend far beyond her immediate family.
Jill fell in love with Justin, the quiet boy two doors down, while attending Hartford High School. They continued dating throughout their attendance and graduation from Michigan State University. They married on September 28, 2002. After several years of marriage, they decided to add to their family and had their daughter, Alissa. This grew their family and their love for each other.
Jill’s love transformed the lives of everyone she encountered. With her smile and unbounded love, she brought a bounty of beauty to everything she did. She loved to volunteer at the church, at the many events that Alissa was involved in, and at anything that could help the community. She could connect with people, share herself, and evoke that same spirit of love in each person she knew.
Jill is survived by her husband, Justin, daughter, Alissa, as well as her parents, John Jonatzke and Janice Jonatzke (Clarence LaCombe). Her extended family includes her sister, Jennifer (James) Juarez, her brother, John Jonatzke, Jr., and niece, Samantha (Nick) Rosalez. Additionally, her in-laws including her father and mother–in–law, John Cardenas (Judy) and Linda Cardenas (David Smith), Adrienne (Brad) Reisig, and Arianne (Chad) Fizzell, as well as nieces and nephews Dylan, Josie, and Cash.
Jill was preceded in death by her nephew Wyatt Fizzell.
Her funeral will be held at Hartford United Methodist Church in Hartford, Michigan on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 1 p.m. The family has requested donations to Gift of Life Michigan in place of flowers. You can donate directly online at https://giftoflifemichigan.org/charitablegiving/make-a-contribution<br>
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.