Janice M. Walthall

Janice M. Walthall, 81, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on December 8, 2025, at Homestead of Eudora.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Janice will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 820 Birch Street, Eudora, Kansas 66025. A Visitation will take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the Rosary being prayed beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Janice was born on June 26, 1944, in Manhattan, Kansas, to Vincent and Dorothy (Moyer) Marks.

From an early age, Janice was actively engaged in her school and community. While attending Silver Lake High School, she served as Vice President of the Class of 1962 and was honored as Homecoming Queen, among many other roles and achievements. It was during these years that she met her future husband.

Janice married her high school sweetheart Richard L. Walthall on July 28, 1962. In 1972, they moved from Dover to Lawrence, where they established a small business, built a life, and raised their family. Their marriage was marked by deep commitment and partnership, and it remained the foundation of Janice’s life.

Janice earned a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Kansas in 1984 while raising her four children, and went on to dedicate much of her professional life to Elementary Education, teaching third grade for many years. She was known as a kind, warm, and patient teacher who cared deeply about her students. Her classroom was a place of creativity and encouragement, and she took great pride in creating a nurturing environment for children.

After leaving full-time teaching, Janice continued her commitment to education by working as an interpreter and classroom assistant for deaf children, supporting students and teachers alike with compassion and care. Never one to be idle, she later worked as a mail carrier and as an optical assistant. Resourceful and capable, Janice was able to do just about anything she set her mind to.

Janice had a warm presence and an easy smile that stayed with her throughout her life. She was practical, capable, and deeply kind, with a natural ability to adapt and step into whatever was needed. Beneath her steady and composed exterior was a quiet independence and confidence that her children carry with them today. Whether at work, at home, or with family, she showed up with patience, warmth, and care.

Above all else, Janice was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She found her greatest joy in her family and was especially proud of—and endlessly devoted to—her grandchildren, whom she adored.

Janice is survived by her children: three sons, Barry (Bobbie) Walthall of Lawrence, Kansas; Brad (Valerie) Walthall of Kansas City, Missouri; and Brian (Camille Grimes) Walthall of Olathe, Kansas; and one daughter, Bridgett (Aaron Miller) Walthall of Lawrence, Kansas. She is also survived by her sisters, Susan (Jay) Engroff, Judith Engroff, and Teresa (Tim) Mabie, and nine beloved grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Dorothy Marks, and her husband, Richard L. Walthall.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made in Janice’s name to Good Shepherd Hospice, https://www.goodshepherdhospice.com/donations/ or the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, www.kuendowment.org/janwalthall. Memorials may also be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.