Janis Allen

Janis June Allen, 87, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, July 25, 2025. She was born on November 10, 1937, in Saint Joseph, Missouri, to former Fire Chief Lawrence Jessee and Mazie Jessee (Saunders). Janis graduated from Benton High School in Saint Joseph and began working at Green Hills Grocery in 1957. It was there she met the love of her life, Roger Lee Allen. The two were married on October 31, 1969, and shared 46 wonderful years together. In 1977, Janis and Roger purchased Green Hills Grocery on Saint Joseph Avenue, where she remained a dedicated owner until her retirement in March 2020. Her work ethic and commitment to her community left a lasting legacy. Janis had a deep love for travel, especially to Hawaii. She was an avid sports fan, cheering passionately for the Kansas City Chiefs and the University of Kansas men's basketball team. She also had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her beloved dog Riley and cats Fig and Luna. She is survived by her children: Lori Snyder (Mark), Steven Allen, Jennifer Headding (Jason), and Samantha Lee (Tim); her grandchildren: Chad Reno (West) and Holly Miller (John); and her great-grandchildren: Quentin Miller and Cadence Miller. Janis was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Lee Allen; her parents, Lawrence and Mazie Jessee; her siblings, Donald Jessee and Helen Rowan; and her grandson, Ryan Reno (West). In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Janis' memory to the Saint Joseph Animal Shelter. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 29, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel.