Janet Rae Ryan

Janet Rae Ryan, age 88, died July 1, 2024, at Hospice House in Hutchinson, KS. She was born June 30, 1936, in Harper, KS, to Raymond L. and Vivian B. (Patterson) Potts.
Janet graduated from Anthony High School, Anthony, KS, in 1954. After her children were raised, Janet owned and operated Kiddies Korner Preschool and Plum Street Kids Kare in Hutchinson, teaching thousands of children throughout a nearly forty-year career. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Hutchinson, where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years. Janet was a board member of the Twin Oaks Boys Home and volunteered at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Hutchinson Hospital, and Cosmosphere.
She is survived by her husband, Harold D. Ryan, whom she married on December 24, 1953.
Also surviving are her daughters, Virginia Hoelting (Tim) of Shawnee, KS, Myrna Baird of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Stacy Romano (Vince) of Florence, OR, Holly Leiker, Sam Leiker (Halie) all of Hutchinson; great-grandchildren, Lucas Ryan Kappenman, Jack Thomas Leiker, Sofia Estelle Romano, Wesley Hayden Leiker, Camille River Romano, Andrew Scott Leiker; brother, Charles Potts (Marilyn) of Anthony; and several extended family members.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Leola Jean Thomas; and son-in-law, Kent Baird.
Cremation has taken place and graveside service at Spring Grove Cemetery in Anthony will be announced at a later date.
Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday, at Elliott Mortuary in Hutchinson, or online.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Way of Reno County for Early Childhood Initiatives, Hospice House, or Cosmosphere in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St., Hutchinson, KS 67501.
Former students are kindly invited to share in their remembrance by contributing in the guestbook with memories and the positive impact that Janet had in their lives.