Janet Lucille Burke

Janet Lucille Burke, age 87, of Fall River, Kansas, passed away peacefully at her residence on Saturday, November 2, 2024. 

Born on February 28, 1937, in Fall River, she was the daughter Claud Milton and Alice Geneva (Benson) Gipe. Janet graduated from Fall River High School in 1955 and pursued her passion for beauty by studying at the Independence School of Cosmetology.

She was united in marriage in May of 1955 to Thurman Shinkle and he preceded her in death in 1980.  She was later united in marriage to Pat Burke in Miami, Oklahoma December 27, 1983, and he preceded her in death January 5, 2013.

For many years, Janet owned and operated the Hairitage Beauty salon in Fredonia. Her skills went beyond hairstyling; she was also a self-employed professional dog breeder, taking great pride in her work. Janet was an esteemed member of both the American Kennel Club and the Chow Chow Club, reflecting her lifelong love for dogs.

Janet was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She is survived by her children, Cary (Marla) Shinkle, Randy (Sandy) Shinkle both of Fall River, Kansas, Jeana (Kenny) Tharp, and Kaila (Luke) Shinkle, both of Fredonia, Kansas. Janet also leaves behind her sister, Vera (Tom) Verge of Pensacola, Florida, and sister-in-law, Twila Lesley of Pacolet, South Carolina. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Skyler Bross, Rochelle Reiter, JB Shinkle, Melissa Liddle, Debbie Wooten, Zac Shinkle, Kory Tharp, Britni Stewart, and Brandi Houdashelt, as well as 24 great-grandchildren who cherished her dearly.

Janet enjoyed a variety of activities in her leisure time. She loved spending time with family, traveling, deer hunting, and tending to her flowers and animals. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Janet is preceded in death by her parents, Claud and Alice Gipe; her brother, Don Gipe; her grandson, Blake Shinkle; and her great-granddaughter, Anna Mae Bross. Her memory will be cherished and honored by her family and friends.

The visitation will take place on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Wickham Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 510 North 7th, Fredonia, Kansas 66736. The funeral service will follow on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 2:00 PM, also at Wickham Family Funeral Home. Janet will be laid to rest at Weakley Cemetery in New Albany, Kansas.

Memorial remembrances are suggested to the Old Iron Club, Fall River Booster Club and they may be left at or mailed to the funeral home.