Joette Arlene Dennis

     Joette Arlene Dennis, age 79, of Ovid, MI, passed away Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Mother Teresa House, Lansing, MI.
     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Ovid, MI, with Rev. Fr. Anthony Brooks presiding. Burial will take place at Middlebury Township Cemetery, Ovid, MI. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI, on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. with a Rosary being prayed at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
     Joette was born in Kalamazoo, MI on February 14, 1947, the daughter of Edward and Beatrice (Hunt) Jelinek. She was a graduate of Ovid-Elsie High School. On October 22, 1966, she married Donald Dennis at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Owosso, MI.
     Joette was talented in crocheting; she made many baby afghans and crocheted hand towel tops for hanging. Her grandchildren were dear to her heart and brought her the greatest joy. Joette's hobby of gardening started at a young age, when she helped with her family's produce business the, "Farmers Market", as well as working at the Lansing City Market. She spent many years working at the Village IGA in Ovid. Joette enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. She loved reminiscing and telling stories from her youth. She was a faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Ovid for over 40 years.
     She is survived by her husband Donald Dennis, Sr. of Ovid, MI; son Eddie Dennis and Krisi Flanner of Ovid, MI; daughter Tonya Heyer and Andrew Weiers of DeWitt, MI; daughter-in-law Bella Dennis of Moro, IL; grandchildren: Samantha Dennis, Steven Dennis, Jacob Heyer, and Jenna Heyer. Joette was preceded in death by her parents, her son Donald Dennis, Jr., also her siblings: Janet Daniels, Joseph Jelinek, and Anthony Jelinek.
     Memorials may be made to Mother Teresa House 308 N. Walnut Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan.