Janet (Jan) Kay Girnius, 83, passed away June 19th, 2023, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born January 30, 1940, in Lawrence, the daughter of Charles Riley Parker and Bessie Parker-Camp.
She served in the Navy and was a Yeoman to an Admiral in Memphis, TN and she worked at the University of Kansas as a Manager of all Resident Scholarship Halls. She later wrote for the Oskaloosa Independent.
Jan is survived by her son William (Ann) Girnius, Lawrence, KS; daughter Deborah Girnius-Hovind, Oslo, Norway; grandson Pete, granddaughters Philicia (John) and Christina (David) and 6 great grandchildren.
She was proceeded in death by her son James Michael Ingram, brother Charles R. Parker, son-in-law Kai Hovind, partner of many years Glen “Corky” Reed, her parents, and her sisters, Shirley and Darlene.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
“I’m Kansas Born and Kansas bred, and when I’m gone, I’ll be Kansas Dead”
–Author Janet Kay Girnius Date: unknown–
I loved your mom. She was such a great person.
Godspeed my friend! Thank you for all your kindness. You helped me during a dark night of the soul, for which I am very grateful. Give my mom a kiss from me.
As I spent more time with Janet, the bond we formed and the way she lit up knowing someone was there for her was so powerful. Although I was just her hospice nurse, she made what I do so rewarding and fulfilling. Her spunk and witty comebacks were a highlight for me. You are now in the comfort of our Lord Janet. Watch over all of us. ❤️
Mom was one heck of a lady who never gave up!
I am so very sorry for your loss of Jan. She had a big heart and was a caring soul.