Melvern - Janet Mary Schultze, 80, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at her home near Melvern, Kansas, lovingly surrounded by her husband, daughter, sister-in-law and her cat and dog. She was born on January 31, 1944, in Lawrence, Kansas, the daughter of Kenneth and Mary (Bennett) Thistlethwaite.

Janet's family moved to Melvern in 1947 as her father became the principal of the Melvern Schools. She grew up in Melvern and then had lived in Kansas City for 34 years before moving back to Melvern.

Janet graduated from Melvern High School in 1962 and attended the Emporia Teacher's College. She had worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for Kaiser Aluminum and then for Acme Signs for over 30 years. She was always active in community organizations and while in Kansas City, she was a driving force in her local PTA.

On May 1, 1965, Janet was united in marriage to Darrel Schultze in Kansas City, Kansas. To this union a daughter was born, Jill.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Mary.

Janet is survived by her husband Darrel of 59 years; her daughter, Jill Schultze of Mission; her brother, Ron (Carol) Thistlethwaite of Manhattan; her sister, Sheri (Bob) Mills of Tonganoxie; her grandson, Gibson Schultze; and the two with four paws and fur that she loved, maybe most of all, Stella the cat and Tater the dog.

The family will gather with friends to celebrate the life of Janet from 5:00 to 7:30pm on Saturday, June 29 at the Melvern Church of God. Private family inurnment in the Melvern Cemetery will be at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Melvern Community Pride, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Avenue, Lyndon, KS 66451. Online condolences for the family may be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com.