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With hearts full of both sorrow and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Carolyn Janett Hoskins, a devoted servant of God, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who entered into the presence of her Savior on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, at the age of 79.
Janett was born August 8, 1945, in Unionville, Missouri, to Doris “Dory” Elvin and Myrtle Pearl (Bennett) McHenry. She graduated from Independence High School and later from beauty school in Waterloo, Iowa. On November 28, 1964, she married the love of her life, Harold Hoskins, in Independence. Together they built a life of 60 years grounded in faith, family, and unwavering commitment to one another.
Janett’s life was a testimony to the transforming power of faith in Jesus Christ. Her walk with the Lord was not something hidden—it was the cornerstone of her identity. She immersed herself in Scripture, cherished every moment spent in prayer, and boldly shared the Gospel with anyone who would listen. Whether through watching TBN, writing heartfelt reflections, or simply speaking encouragement over her family and friends, Janett lived to glorify God. Her faith wasn’t just strong—it was the very air she breathed.
She lovingly served her community as a cook at Skiff Hospital for twenty years, but her most treasured role was that of spiritual matriarch to her family. Her prayers covered generations, and her words of faith were a light in every season of life. She delighted in her grandchildren, always eager to share stories, wisdom, and the promises of God with them.
Janett was preceded in death by her parents and her precious granddaughter, Moriah Hoskins.
Those left to carry on her legacy of faith include her devoted husband, Harold Hoskins; her children, Sue (Rich) Boettcher, Darrin (Michelle) Hoskins, Dan (Michelle) Hoskins, Aaron (Cody) Hoskins, and Judd (Cassandra) Hoskins; her thirteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren, each of whom she covered in prayer; her brother, Tom McHenry; and her sister, Jennifer Turner.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Pence Reese Funeral Home in Newton. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Grace Church in Newton. Burial will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence, Iowa. Memorials in Janett’s name may be left at the Pence Reese Funeral Home.