Janell L. Mlekush, 48, of Davenport, Iowa, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2026, after a hard fought battle with renal cancer.

A hospitality gathering to celebrate Janell’s life is 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 7, at CityView Celebrations at Trimble Pointe. A time of sharing for family and friends will conclude the gathering at 7:00 p.m. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, under the direction of Trimble Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established in Janell’s memory.

Janell Lea Mlekush was born September 2, 1977, in Moline, Illinois, the daughter of Richard Allen and Mona Lea (Lyons) Mlekush. She attended Rock Island schools through her senior year at Rock Island High School before earning her Licensed Practical Nurse degree from Black Hawk College.

To say Janell dedicated her life to caring for others would be an understatement. Nursing was more than a profession—it was her calling. She devoted countless hours to serving patients throughout the Quad Cities, often picking up extra shifts and always willing to lend a helping hand wherever she was needed. During her career, she worked at Friendship Manor, UnityPoint Hospice, UnityPoint Health–Trinity, Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, and several other area nursing homes and healthcare facilities, leaving a lasting impression on coworkers, patients, and families alike.

Her greatest gift, however, was the love she freely gave to those closest to her. Whether you were family, a lifelong friend, or someone fortunate enough to cross her path, Janell made it her mission to care for you. She especially loved children, treating nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends' children as if they were her own. Fiercely loyal, she stood beside those she loved through every triumph and every trial, always offering unwavering support. She consistently placed the needs of others before her own in every aspect of her life.

Although she was an extraordinary mother, the title she cherished most was "Granny J." Her granddaughter, Alani, whom Janell lovingly nicknamed "Birdie," was the light of her life and brought her immeasurable happiness. Janell also enjoyed traveling, spending sunny days by the pool, and showering endless affection on her beloved dogs, Elsa, Yadi, and Gizzie.

Janell is survived by her four children, her pride and joy, Elijah (Taylor) Adams of Rock Island, Mylee (Ryan Harris) Adams of Rock Island, Shahib Kouyate of Davenport, and Alexander Rhoads of Davenport; her granddaughter, Alani “Birdie” Harris; her significant other with whom she shared several years of companionship, Jon Mudd; her mother, Mona Lyons of Moline; her father, Richard (Vicki) Mlekush of Colona; her grandparents, Alice Lyons and Ronald Mlekush, both of Moline; her brother, Jeremy (Kalli) Mlekush of Las Vegas; nephews and nieces, Kasen Ross, Kalvin Mlekush, Kinley Mlekush, Zachary Mlekush, Zayne Mlekush, Zander Mlekush, and Rhys Mlekush; aunts and uncles, Keith Mlekush, Sherry Reid, Mark (MaryAnn) Mlekush, Margaret Carroll, and Sandy Schlorf; her cousins, Emily (Justin) Iverson, Beth (Ryan) Rasmussen, Gabe Mlekush, Angelina Mlekush, and Jessica Stump; Elijah and Mylee’s father, Michael (Treena) Adams, and his family; step-brother, Jeffrey Hovey; as well as countless dear friends and co-workers over the years that cared deeply about Janell, including Christine Palmer. She was preceded in death by her brother, Joel Mlekush; grandmother, Dorothy Mlekush; grandfather, Ronald Lyons; and cousin, Elliot Rasmussen.

The family would like to give special thanks to Janell’s nursing co-workers and good friends, Makaila Burger and Andrea Bomelyn, for helping advocate for, and standing beside, Janell as she battled cancer.

Janell's compassion, generous heart, and steadfast devotion to those she loved will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Stories and condolences may be shared at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.