JANET HEMPHILL

JANET HEMPHILL 09/09/1945 - 06/16/2025 Janet LaNore Livingston Hemphill, a gifted musician, devoted educator, and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on September 9, 1945, in Nebraska to Gerald Leroy Livingston and Laura Genevieve "Gen" Steuteville Livingston, Janet lived a life marked by deep faith, boundless creativity, and heartfelt service. She graduated from Nebraska City High School in 1963 and continued her education at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Peru State College. In September 1963, she married the love of her life, Thomas Eugene "Tom" Hemphill. Together, they shared a beautiful marriage of 61 years, filled with love, laughter, and music. Janet and Tom raised two children, David Charles Hemphill and Janna Lynn Hemphill (now Peterson). Janet delighted in her role as a mother and later as a grandmother and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially sharing her love of music with them. She cherished every opportunity to be involved in the lives of her granddaughters and great-granddaughter -- attending their events, celebrating milestones, and staying closely connected through every stage of their lives. Janet especially enjoyed Theodora's visits in recent years, which brought her immense joy and energy. Being a grandmother and great-grandmother was one of the greatest blessings of her life. Janet's lifelong devotion to music and education inspired generations. She began teaching piano, voice, organ, and other instruments in 1966, later opening her own music studio. She served faithfully as the Director of Choirs at First Presbyterian Church beginning in 1968, continuing through her final season in 2011. She also served as an elder and taught Sunday school for five years, writing numerous plays and musicals for church. Janet's talents reached beyond the church walls. She performed in summer stock theatre from 1978 to 1980 and played in several local music ensembles, including the "Dee Jays" dance band, later known as "Country Gold." She played solo organ for Omaha's Sunday brunch on the Belle of Brownville and performed lounge music with her son David on drums. In 1991, she founded and directed the women's barbershop group "Belles-A-Peeling" for three years. A passionate advocate for music education, Janet's studio was featured in Roland Magazine for Music Educators in 2001. As a representative for Roland and Dietze Music, she gave workshops and presentations on integrating digital keyboards into schools, churches, and homes. She also contributed to her community in numerous ways -- chairing Miss Nebraska City pageants, directing community choirs, and organizing gospel concerts both locally and on the river. Among her most cherished moments were receiving a standing ovation for her solo in the 1979 theater production of George M! and the unforgettable experience of bottle-feeding a baby tiger. In June of 2020, Janet and Tom moved to Omaha to reside at Maple Ridge Independent Retirement Community. There, they quickly became active members of the community, forming several card groups and starting a choir that brought people together through music and friendship. During their time at Maple Ridge, they made many dear friends. In October 2024, they transitioned to Esprit Whispering Ridge Assisted Living, continuing their journey together with grace and love. One of Janet's favorite companions in her later years was Packer, a Maine Coon cat adopted in 2014 from a cattery in Iowa on the way home from a Packers game in Green Bay. With his striking presence and engaging personality, Packer quickly became a beloved figure among Janet's students and friends at Maple Ridge and Esprit. Janet adored Packer deeply, just as she cherished all the cats and dogs who had been part of their family over the years. Janet also found joy in simple pleasures -- bridge and card games, cats, and travel -- but nothing compared to the time she spent with her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Tom Hemphill of Omaha; her children, David and Beth Hemphill of Fort Calhoun, Neb., and Janna Hemphill Peterson of Omaha; and three granddaughters: Bailey and her husband Ben McDonnell of Salt Lake City, Utah; Carlyn and her husband Patrick Stone of Overland Park, Kan.; and Jenna Peterson of Omaha, Neb. She also leaves behind her beloved great-granddaughter, Theodora Stone of Overland Park. In addition, she is survived by her sister-in-law Marcia and her husband Craig Schroeder of Talmage, Neb., and their children and grandchildren: Tiffany and her husband Mike Moss and their children Emma and Max of Lincoln, Neb., and Cory and his wife Kelsie Schroeder and their children Cade and Rae of Papillion, Neb. She is also survived by many cousins, extended family, and dear friends, all of whom were touched by her warmth, creativity, and generous spirit. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald Leroy Livingston and Laura Genevieve Steuteville Livingston, and her in-laws, Robert Eugene Hemphill and Bernice Marie Hohnroth Hemphill. Janet's life was a legacy of faith, music, and love -- one that will continue to echo through the many lives she touched. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Nebraska City at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, with Pastor Tom Osborne officiating. Inurnment will be at Wyuka Cemetery in Nebraska City.