Janet Ruth Winkler, aged 74, passed away on October 11, 2024, in Kansas City, KS. Born on May 10, 1950, Janet was known for her loving nature, eternal optimism and servant’s heart. She lived a life filled with enduring faith, deep convictions and a fierce devotion to family.
Janet had many fond childhood memories that include participating in Girl Scouts, 4-H, and spending summers at her grandparents’ farm with her cousins. She graduated from Oak Park High School in Kansas City, MO, before furthering her education at Maple Woods Community College and the University of Central Missouri where she earned degrees in Art and Parks and Recreation. Janet dedicated over 30 years of service to the US Postal Service, most notably as a clerk at the Wyandotte West Post Office, where she was known for her friendliness, joy and dependability. After retiring in 2009, Janet remained active in her community as a Master Gardener volunteer for the Wyandotte County Extension and was a founding member of the Turner Community Garden. She dedicated thousands of hours of service to youth programs, Wyandotte County Agricultural Hall of Fame, 4-H, and won numerous ribbons at the annual Wyandotte County Fair for her vegetables, canned goods, flowers, and her mother’s honey.
Janet was a devoted caregiver, an artist, and she always prioritized the nurturing of her people, her plants, and her community. Her hobbies were as varied as they were fulfilling. Janet was an avid reader and enjoyed bringing her children and then grandchildren to an array of library programs. She was a talented baker known for her scratch recipes and famous for her pies with made-from-scratch crusts. Janet served as a PTA president, taught Sunday School, and was a Girl Scout leader for many years.
Janet’s love for adventure took her hiking and camping in numerous State and National Parks. She and her husband enjoyed attending art exhibitions, concerts, community education lectures, and sailing at the lake with the dogs.
Janet’s pride in her daughters was only exceeded by her adoration for her grandchildren. Her love and support were unmatched, always the most enthusiastic supporter at sporting events, school programs, recitals, and art shows. She eagerly shared her love of gardening and baking with her grandkids and was endlessly patient with the joyful mess of children’s projects.
Janet was a beloved member of her family, survived by her husband, Mark Winkler; daughters, Angie Winkler, Carolyn Winkler, and Kenya Taylor; and grandchildren, Nathan, Willie, Jackson, Emily, and Demario; as well as countless extended family and bonus grandchildren. She was a cherished friend and will be remembered by so many for her contagious laugh, her warmth and her kindness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Carolyn (Wilcox) and Lyndell Charles Miller, and her sister, Elizabeth (Miller) Inmon.
Services to celebrate Janet’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 1:00pm at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, in Lawrence, KS. Janet was deeply committed to the care and preservation of the natural world and will have a green burial at the Oak Hill Cemetery – Natural Burial Plot in Lawrence, KS, following the service. Attendants are encouraged to bring native plants, flowers or grasses to add to the natural burial.
Family and friends are invited to gather at the Turner Community Garden, at 5:00pm on October 16, 2024, to share memories and commemorate Janet’s life. Contributions may be made to the charity of your choice in Janet’s memory, honoring her generous and caring spirit.
Mark,
Janet’s spirit of kindness and sweet smile always made any day a better one. She was someone I could count on to help with any project or program. It was her support that has help me so many times. I will forever be better from knowing her.
Sending many hugs and prayers for you, the girls and grands.
I am so saddened to hear of Janet’s passing… I had privilege of starting out working with both Janet and Mark on selling her parents home but the best part was I felt from the start like we would be friends forever! She was a wonderful person who loved to talk about gardens, memories at the farm, her daughters & those grandkids she loved so much! I am blessed to have crossed paths with an amazing soul…. My heart is with all of you!
Mark and family,
So sorry to hear of your great loss. You are in our prayers.
To Mark and family, I was privileged enough to meet Janet several times and I am truly blessed for it. May the great memories you have bring you comfort and know you are all in our hearts
I’ll always remember Janet’s warmth and kindness. Truly a life well-lived. Praying for peace and comfort, and that the memories of laughter and joy come right behind the tears. Love you all.