Janet D. (Hattery) Lopez, age 41, of East Canton, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, April 29 at Mercy Medical Center from injuries she sustained in an automobile accident earlier that day -- which also was her birthday.

The accident occurred on U.S. Route 62 in Plain Township at 3:14 p.m. Stark County Sheriff Deputies reported that Susan Armor was driving east on route 62 in a 1999 yellow International Bluebird school bus from the Plain Local School District. A 1999 white Mercury Mystique, operated by Ms. Lopez, was traveling north on Roosevelt Avenue N.E. when she failed to yield the right-of-way from the posted sign at route 62 and began to turn left. The bus crashed into the left side of the car.

Deputies reported 31 students from Glenwood Middle School were on the bus. Six were transported to Mercy Medical Center and six were transported to Aultman Hospital. However, the students were taken in a precautionary effort, since the bus driver reported no injuries at the scene.

Traveling with Janet was her 19-year-old son, Andrew S. Lopez, a graduate of East Canton High School. He also was transported to Mercy Medical Center with possible injuries. Plain Township firefighters used mechanical tools to free Ms. Lopez from the car. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Sheriff Timothy A. Swanson reported both drivers, as well as Andrew Lopez, were wearing seatbelts.

Ms. Lopez was born April 29, 1967 in Massillon to Richard L. Sr. and Lois R. (Trompower) Hattery.

She was a 1985 graduate of Canton South High School and was employed at the Kmart store on Harmont Avenue. She was a member of Louisville Church of Christ.

Janet was preceded in death by her father, Richard L. Hattery Sr., and a sister, Lynda (Hattery) Green.

In addition to her son Andrew of East Canton, Janet is survived by another son, Daniel Lopez Jr. of Alliance; her mother, Lois R. Hattery of Canton Township; and one brother, Richard L. Hattery Jr. of Alliance.

A memorial service was held May 6 in Louisville Church of Christ with Jeff Stevenson officiating.

The Kreighbaum-Sanders Funeral Home handled arrangements.