Janet Louise Gravitt

Janet Louise Gravitt (Kull), age 81, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026. Loving mother of Brian (Tamara) Gravitt, Robert (Christine) Gravitt and Alison (Kevin) Kersting.  Cherished grandmother of Sarah Gravitt, Elizabeth Gravitt, Carly Kersting, Mallory Gravitt, Zoe Gravitt, Caitlyn Kersting and Robert Gravitt.  Beloved Sister-in- Law of Gerri Sue (Bob) Piper, and caring aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Janet was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Gravitt, her best friend and daughter, Alison Kersting, her parents, Harold and Dolly Kull, and her brothers Charles and Alten Kull.

Born on June 27, 1945, in Lawrenceville, Illinois, Janet was the apple of her family’s eye as the baby of the family and the only daughter.  She could often be found in her parent’s family bakery (Paris Bakery), helping her parents serve community members while catching up on the town news.

Her love story began in junior high with her sweetheart, Bob, and they enjoyed a beautiful marriage of 33 years before his passing in 2001.  They could often be found at dances and sock hops as well as local high school sporting events.  After High School and marriage, Janet and Bob moved to Terre Haute, Indiana and then Arizona while Bob completed his degrees and they welcomed their first child.   Janet remained devoted to him her entire life, carrying on his legacy for her family.

Janet and Bob moved to Cincinnati, eventually settling in the Pleasant Run Farms neighborhood where she thrived coordinating neighborhood parades, PTA meetings and spending many summer days with her children and friends at the community pool.  There she formed close and lasting friendships, enjoying membership in card groups and social luncheon groups. She even went on many girls’ trips with her friends, where she created some of her most cherished memories.  

Known for her Converse sneaker collection and her flair for crafting seasonal greeting cards sealed with love and stickers, Janet had a unique style that endeared her to many. Whether it was indulging in shopping sprees with her grandchildren or stalking Neil Diamond through the streets of Cincinnati with her best friend and “sister” Barb Buetel, her passions brought joy and often humor to every moment.

Janet dedicated over two decades of her life to serving as a secretary at John Wesley United Methodist Church, where her passion for service led her to be a trusted confidant and counselor to many parishioners.  She continued her acts of service by being a loyal and dedicated volunteer at the Soul Ministries pantry . . .  working in the pantry and volunteering to transport those in need of food who did not have access to transportation.  These acts of faith and service truly carried her through her grief after losing both her dear husband and her beloved daughter. 

Janet had a fierce love for, and found absolute delight, in her grandchildren.  From creating a never-ending string of paper chains and other crafts to providing a daily supply of doughnuts, she found so much joy in being a grandmother.  She often said they were her greatest gift and her grandchildren remember her for being a fun and loving grandma as well as a trusted safe space and counselor for whatever troubles came their way.  Her favorite way to say goodbye to a grandchild visit was to say, “love you more”!

Please join us as we honor Janet’s life. There will be a visitation at John Wesley United Methodist Church on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM, followed by a memorial service celebrating her life at 11:00 AM with a luncheon following. A private family graveside service will take place at Arlington Memorial Gardens on Monday, July 13, 2026.

In Janet’s memory, let us carry forward her spirit of love, generosity, and kindness. She will be missed dearly and her legacy of love will live on in all of us.  In her honor, we invite and encourage all friends and family to make a donation to their local food pantry.