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Janet Elizabeth Richards, Age: 70

Jul 18, 1954 - Mar 11, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Janet Elizabeth Richards, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, wife, and friend. Janet passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025 at the age of 70. 
 
Janet was born on July 18, 1954 in Marceline, Missouri to Virgil Jean Newman and Elizabeth Ann 'Still' Edwards. A proud graduate of Kearney High School and the Independence School of Cosmetology, Janet found her calling as a talented cosmetologist, bringing beauty and confidence to countless lives. She owned and operated Kearney Hair Kare Plus, where her warm personality and skilled hands turned clients into lifelong friends. Janet cherished the connections she made throughout her career, whether with fellow professionals or the many loyal customers who became like family. Her passion for her work and her genuine care for others left an indelible mark on all who knew her, and her legacy of love and friendship will be treasured forever.
 
She is survived by her spouse, J. Keith Richards, her children, son, Clinton (Michelle) George, daughter, Tara George, son, Cody (Crystal) Richards, step-son, Travis (Cherie) Richards, her grandchildren, Ashlyn George, Madison George, Caiden Richards, Kaleb Richards and Madison Creonte-Richards, brother, Gary (Dorothy) Mayabb, brother, Mike (Sherrie) Mayabb, sister, Mary Lou (LeRoy) Hilner, sister, Cyndi (Gary) Masuch, and sister, Carrie (Gregory) Lee who will forever cherish her memory and carry forward her legacy of love, generosity, and resilience. 
 
Janet enjoyed time in her flower garden, reading books about natural healing, listening to Elvis Presley and dancing. She found joy in spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her life was a testament to the power of kindness and the importance of cherishing every moment.
 
A celebration of Janet's life will be held on April 12, 2025 at The Spark Academy located at 307 S Jefferson St, Kearney, MO 64060 from 2pm-4pm.
 
Janet will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her legacy of love and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. May she rest in eternal peace.
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Services

Additional Service: Celebration of Life
Location: The Spark Academy
Address: 307 S. Jefferson St.
City: Kearney
State: Missouri
Zip Code: 64060
Date of Service: Apr 12, 2025
Time of Service: 2:00 pm
Additional Information:

A celebration of Janet's life will be held on April 12, 2025 at The Spark Academy located at 307 S Jefferson St, Kearney, MO 64060 from 2pm-4pm.
Google Map: Click Here to see Location on Map

Condolences

Bruce & Vicki Cohoon Mar 13, 2025

Cousin ,Leawood ,Kansas

We are deeply sorry for Janet’s family for their loss. Janet was so beautiful in every way & an inspiration ! We will always remember her kind ways & Beautiful Smile ! Prayers to her family at this very difficult time 🙏 Our deepest sympathy, Vicki & Bruce Cohoon

Lynn Noyes Mar 13, 2025

Friend ,Lathrop ,Missouri

My prayers and sympathies are with the family of this remarkable woman. She was always sunny and positive. I’ll miss her…. 🙏

Darlene Reed Mar 13, 2025

Friend ,Lawson ,Missouri

I went to school with Janet. Elizabeth Ann and my mother were very good friends as well. She was a very special person whom I know has left a huge hole in so many lives. Rest in peace my friend.

Heather Beagley Ms. Mar 13, 2025

Best friends Daughter ,Kansas City ,Missouri

From the bottom of our hearts, we are forever grateful for you all for allowing the time for Mom (Paula) and I to visit with her in her last moments. Your kindness and compassion will always mean the world to us., and we will always cherish the time that we had with her. My mother adored Janet. My brother and I grew up only knowing her as Aunt Janet. Her kindness, warmth, and love will always be remembered, and we will forever be grateful for her. Mom was always worried about her working so much and taking care of everyone else but herself. Life kept them apart for several years, but Janet always took the time to come visit mom when she could. When mom was very sick, even though Aunt Janet was battling her own illness, she would come and bring mom whatever she thought she needed and vitamins to help build her strength. Although Mom hated Aunt Janet spending money on her, she proudly took those vitamins even when she couldn't keep anything else down, because her SISTER brought them to her. ❤️ Mom cannot get on the computer at this time because of her health issues, as you know, but she wishes that she could do more to help and hopes that you all know that she loves her with all of her heart and soul and loves you all as well. She asks that if you need anything, please do not hesitate to call us.

Linda Hill Mar 13, 2025

Friend ,Kearney ,Missouri

I miss sweet Janet already, she was so amazing! Who will I sit & solve all the world’s problems with now? There will forever be a missing piece in my heart that was her. My thoughts & prayers are with all of Janet’s loved ones & friends during this time of sadness & loss. I hope that memories of happier times with her will make us smile.

Vicki Lawson Mar 13, 2025

Customer of many years and friend ,Kearney ,Missouri

We, her friends and customers in Kearney will miss her terribly too. We all considered her family as well as friends. We’ve known her for many years. Please accept our condolences for you and your family.

James Cogdill Mar 13, 2025

SO SORRY FOR LOSS PRAYERS GO OUT TO FAMILY SHE WAS ONE A BEAUTIFUL KIND LADY WOULD ALWAYS HELPING SOMEONE MAY SHE R.I.P

Yvetta Newman Apr 03, 2025

Ex-Stepmother ,Oathe ,Kansas

I was her stepmother; she was a beautiful and wonderful daughter. To her family I'm sorry for your loss. I got to see her for the last time. Janet, I love you and always have. - Love you

Nora B Montgomery Apr 06, 2025

School friend ,Cameron ,Missouri

Here is a poem I wrote for times like this. " On the wings of a butterfly Janet's soul was placed in the hands of her Creator." I hope it brings you peace and comfort.

Clayton (Ernie) Mooney Apr 11, 2025

Friend of over 40 years ,Kearney ,Missouri

Made everyone feel like a best friend even though she had many friends. I liked her right away and she made me feel special even though she had so many special friends. Most of them were her customers. it will take a while to find anyone to come close in skill. when she smiled she lit up any room she was in.