Services for Janet Maude Fike, 74, of Lawrence will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 6 2025, at First United Methodist Church, Lawrence.
Janet died Monday, April 28, 2025 at her home in Lawrence, surrounded by friends and family, following a courageous 3 ½ year battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, educator, and friend.
She was born October 14, 1950 in Almena, Kansas, the youngest daughter of Cloyd Beverly and Elizabeth Grace (Karnopp) Combs, and developed a strong work ethic at a young age by helping on the family’s dairy farm. She graduated from Northern Valley High School (Almena) in 1968, and earned a bachelor’s degree in education, with an emphasis in Home Economics, from Fort Hays State in 1972, becoming the first member of her household to graduate from college. During that time she also earned a private pilot’s license.
Janet began her professional career with Kansas Power and Light, serving as an educator to appliance dealers and the public for the use of electric appliances, including newly introduced microwave ovens. After 3 years she began work for King’s Appliances, as a salesperson and consumer educator. She wrote a weekly recipe for microwave cooking that appeared as an advertisement in the Lawrence Journal World. When King’s Appliance closed 3 years later, she started work as a teacher for Lawrence USD 497, in the field of Family and Consumer Sciences, which she served as for a total of 31 years, with the vast majority being at West Jr High (now West Middle School). She was a long-time fixture at the school, and is remembered fondly by many students, staff, and faculty members for her sunny disposition, helpful attitude, and unwavering dedication to her craft.
She married Joseph (Joe) Kenneth Fike on April 13, 1974 at First United Methodist Church in Lawrence. They met while both working at Kansas Power and Light. The early years of raising their children included thousands of home-cooked meals, many nights spent camping in a pop-up trailer, numerous road trips, and attending sporting events such as Royals baseball, and K-State football and basketball games, and many joyous hours tending her extensive flower and vegetable gardens. After retirement, their travels spanned farther, traveling frequently to both coasts, and other major US cities, often with children and grandchildren in tow. Joe survives of the home.
Other survivors include her beloved three sons, Ryan Fike (Tiffany); Joshua Fike (Grace); and Tyler Fike (Elizabeth), along with 7 grandchildren (Lily, Jackson, Autumn, Jett, Davis, Axel, and Harvey), all of Lawrence, who were the absolute joy of her life. She is also survived by her sister, Sandra Stogsdil, Shawnee, KS; brother, Jared Combs (Adonna), Columbus, IN; sister, Sonja Randall (William), Wichita, KS; and sister, Karla Anderson, Almena, KS. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Jan Lee Combs.
A visitation will take place from 6-7 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. Funeral services will take place the following day, Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044, with a light lunch to follow in Brady Hall.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Lawrence First United Methodist Church, or the American Cancer Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home: P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Online condolences may be sent at www. rumsey-yost.com.
Jerry and I knew Janet from her years at KPL. She and Joe were also great couple. Sorry for you loss Joe and boys! She worked with my mother in law Rose Holland.
We lose another home economist. So sorry for your loss.
Joe and Fike family, I was shocked and sad to hear of the passing of Janet. I knew her as she and I were both Home Economics (FACS) teacher. I missed her when she left LHS to teach at West Middle School. When the district FACS teachers got together it was always a treat to see her and chat. She was delightful, kind, and caring of others. He laughter was contagious. I’m so sad that she has fought cancer for over three years. The last time I saw her was at therapy works where we were waiting for appointments and our conversation got cut off as we were both called in by different staff. My prayers go out to your family as you grieve the loss of an awesome lady. May God hold you tightly during this difficult time. I know she has gone to her forever eternal home where she is cancer-free and not in pain ever again!
Janet, you were known as Ms. Janny in our house. Nana and pops sweet neighbor who was always so thoughtful. We will cherish the homemade bath towels you made our children after they were born and the memory of the tea party we had when our kids were little. Peace be with your family!
May the peace of prayer flow over you Joe and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Joe, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Lawrence Public Schools extends our sympathy to the Fike Family with sincere appreciation for Janet’s 31 years of service to students and our schools. May many happy memories comfort you.
I got to know Janet through many years of tailgating at K-State football games. She was always so sweet, friendly, generous, and kind. We will all miss seeing her. Prayers for Joe and the whole family.
Janet was a beautiful lady, inside and out. Her courage and strength during her treatments inspired me as I was going through my own treatments. I will miss her smile and hugs at K-State football games. My heartfelt condolences to Joe and the family.
Joe, Sonja, Bill and families, my condolences to you. I was fortunate to meet Janet at KPL in 1972. Not long after that, I met Sonja and Bill Randall that became good friends. That friendship allowed an opportunity to see Janet outside of KPL. Janet was a beautiful woman in every way. I was blessed to know Janet as well as Joe, Sonja and Bill. RIP Janet! You are truly missed by so many.
My mom (Rose Holland) worked with Janet and Joe at KP&L. I met Janet on several occasions. She was such a sweet lady. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing.
Janet was a friend I knew through school and church. She was a wonderful lady and her students respected her. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Mrs. Fike was an amazing teacher! I loved her home economics class at West. She will be missed!
Janet was a lovely person, she will be missed by all. So sorry for your family’s loss.
Janet was a wonderful friend. We grew up in Almena and attended college together. The memories we shared are cherished. My sympathies to her family.
She was such a special friend and have so many memories of growing up together….love you much Janet and hugs to your family!!!! ❤️
Wonderful LHS teacher from many years ago. She was one of my favorites.
Janet’s family was part of our neighborhood. She attended school in Almena.
My sympathy to all her family. I am sure she will be missed.
Janet grew to womanhood when she left the Almena area. She attended Almena schools and church.
We were neighbors of the Coombs family.
My deep sympathy to all of the family.
The Fike family,
I’ve known Janet since our school days in Almena. We are so sorry to hear of her death. I will always remember Janet’s laugh, the kind of laugh that was contagious and could brighten any dismal situation. She will be missed
Dear Fike Family- I’m so heartbroken to hear of Janet’s passing. Mama Fike was a favorite of mine and I have many fun and fond memories of her at our Catbacker events. Please know you are all in my thoughts and I’m sending much love to each of you.
I am so sorry for your loss. Janey was my most favorite teacher of all time. I had her for Home Ec in 7th grade.
Dear Joe, Ryan, Josh, Tyler and family, I am sad to learn that Janet died, but I am glad she is no longer suffering. I enjoyed her joyful spirit and will miss her friendship. She was a wonderful person—beautiful inside and out!
My heart is heavy for your family. What a sweet, beautiful girl Janet is. Know that thoughts and prayers will continue for all of you.