Janice A. Thomas

Janice Ann (Thornton) Thomas, the daughter of Daryl G. and Joyce M. (Renken) Thornton, was born on May 26, 1948, in Fairbury, Nebraska. She passed away on November 13, 2025, at her home in Belleville, at the age of 77. During her childhood, she lived in Fairbury, Nebraska, Clyde, Kansas, and Republic, Kansas. Her parents operated the grocery store in Republic, and as a girl, Jan spent time working at the store and assisting her parents. She attended school in Republic, graduating from Republic High School in 1966. Jan furthered her education at Fort Has State University and graduated with a music degree in 1971.

On May 11, 1968, she married the love of her life, Keith Thomas, at the United Methodist Church in Republic, Kansas. Jan and Keith were blessed with two children, Annette and Mark. Jan worked beside her husband Keith on the family dairy farm. She took great pride in raising her children and created many cherished memories of school and church events, 4-H, piano lessons, and working together on the farm.

As a busy farm wife and homemaker, Jan also found time to teach vocal and piano lessons in her home. Many children discovered a love for music through her kindness and dedication to the craft. She had a very special student in her niece Madge, who shared her love of music. In September of 1989, she started working at the Republic County Hospital and began her career in social services. Later, she provided social services for Long Term Care, and was the head of the activity department until her retirement. She poured her heart into caring for each resident.

Jan was blessed with six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. They were the light of her life. She went to every band performance, school event, and game to support them. It was special to Jan to be able to be such a big part of their lives. They will always remember her for the wonderful times they spent together, her great hugs, and wise advice.

Jan was a devoted member of the Narka Presbyterian Church. Her faith and church family were very important to her. She directed the children’s choir, the parish-wide Christmas and Easter Cantatas, was a member of the Narka Presbyterian Women, and attended bible study with her friends. She also played the piano and organ for church services, weddings, and funerals. She loved singing with her dear friends in the gospel group “The Ten Pieces.” Keith often accompanied her to Ten Pieces performances. They enjoyed spending time together, and Keith was always so proud of her. It gave Jan so much joy to share her beautiful voice and her love of music with others.

Jan is preceded in death by her parents Daryl and Joyce, beloved husband Keith, brothers-in-law Roger Strnad and Larry Zink, and Keith’s parents, Clyde and Betty Thomas.

Jan will be forever remembered by her daughter Annette Nondorf (Eric) and son Mark Thomas (Tia Smidt); grandchildren, Kelsey Pickard (Joey), Kendall Walker (Taylor), Abigail Knoll (Carson Simmons), Kirby, Gentry, and Laney Thomas. Great-grandchildren Kloey, Dollie, and Kyzer Pickard, and Bailey Thornbrugh. She is also survived by her sister Linda Zink, brother Paul Thornton (Cindy), sister-in-law Cheryl Strnad Runft (Myron), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.

Memorial Services will be Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10:00 am, at the Narka Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at the Belleville City Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday, December 5, from 1pm – 7pm, with the family greeting friends starting at 5pm, at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home in Belleville. Memorials are requested to the Narka Presbyterian Church, and may be mailed to Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, PO Box 566, Belleville, Kansas, 66935.

Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home is assisting the Thomas family with these arrangements.