The Allegan business community lost a dedicated businesswoman and friend. Jana (Wendt) Tibbitts, who has been the managing principal of Tibbitts & Associates, PLC since 2014, died suddenly from a heart attack on Saturday, January 28, 2023. She and her husband Steve Tibbitts are lifelong members of Allegan and have been extremely active in the Allegan business and social community.
Jana graduated from Allegan High School in 1980 then attended Western Michigan University to earn her Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in 1984. She carried a Certified Public Accountant license through the State of Michigan. Jana accrued more than 30 years of experience as a CPA including with Flegal & Tibbitts then as the principal of Tibbitts & Associates, PLC.
Though Jana preferred being Steve’s shadow and cheerleader, Jana became well known for her ready smile, positive attitude and caring persona as she worked with individuals, small businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Jana’s work was just a fraction of her roots in Allegan. Born and raised in the community, she became involved in numerous activities and groups. During her teen years, she was involved with the youth of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan. These activities crossed the local, diocesan and provincial levels. In addition, her involvement in high school activities and volunteering carried into her adult life with Steve.
Beyond the workplace, Jana volunteered in a wide range of positions and gave time and talents to nonprofit organizations. In 2015, Jana accepted a volunteer position on the Allegan General Hospital Board of Trustees, then as a director of the Ascension Allegan Foundation. She was also an agent for Allegan Dollars for Scholars.
Jana and Steve became Full Circle Legacy Giving Group for Wings of Hope and Wings Home and supported nonprofits such as Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center and the Allegan County Community Foundation. These are just a few.
The Tibbitts’ dedication to assisting other businesses and clients was recognized with a 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award during the Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Allegan Awards celebration.
Over the years, the couple has become a vital part of the Allegan business community as supporters of youth sports, the Arts and fund raising activities. With a deep love for family and Allegan, Jana and Steve could be found endorsing and circulating at all sorts of activities around town and on the Riverfront.
Allegan laments the passing of a well-respected businesswoman and an integral member of the community who personified the inscription “loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and trusted friend”.
Sincere wishes go to Steve and their adult children Julie and Nathan, parents Jim and Judy Wendt, and sister Jennifer (Mark) Heidl during this extremely difficult time.
More information on arrangements and celebration of Jana’s life will be available through Gordon Funeral Residence – Allegan Chapel https://www.gordenfuneral.com/ and their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/gordenandchappellfuneral/.