Janet Juneil McDowell

Janet Juneil Holmes McDowell, daughter of Erma Twila Burgess Holmes and Garth Macy Holmes was born on November 23, 1935 in rural Smith Center. Janet departed this earthly life to be with her Lord and Savior on September 19, 2024 at the age of 88 years at Smith Center Health and Rehabilitation.
Janet grew up on the family farm south of Smith Center, Kansas, surrounded by three siblings making for a lively household. As the third of four stair step sisters, Janet was active in the many household chores of the day. While living on the farm, Janet often recalled walking over the hill to school. Janet then stayed in town during the weekdays to attend high school.
Janet met the love of her life at a local dance. Janet married Duane Alvin 'John' McDowell on August 1, 1954. They made their home in Smith Center and later purchased the farm of Chris and Mary Frydendall north of Bellaire. They raised their four children: Lana, Lori, Lance and Lia.
Janet was active in her church; the Smith Center Congregational Church, as Sunday School teacher and choir member. Janet was also active in Custer Bible Study and ladies groups including playing bridge weekly and bowling. Later in life, Janet enjoyed singing with the Lebanon Music Club. While raising her family, she also traveled with John as he coached the Lebanon Women's Softball team building lifelong relationships with these women as the entire family traveled and participated.
Janet was preceded in death by her beloved John, grandchildren Trevor and Travis Wells and son in law Randall LaDow. Left to cherish Janet's memory are children Lana Wells (Stephen), Lori LaDow, Lance McDowell (Theresa), Lia Post (Daryl), grandchildren Trent Wells (Keren), Taryn Peterson (CJ), (Annette Wells), Dana Sinauleni (Boykin), Derik LaDow (Elise), Darci LaDow, Jacqueline McDowell Dues, Mariah McDowell, Jonathon Cole McDowell (Shelby), Andre Cale McDowell, Ryan Post (Lisa), Lacy Muller (Max), Jay Post (Lycan), and 24 great-grandchildren and a host of siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.