Hiawatha, KS……….Janet Joyce Burenheide, 77, of Hiawatha, died unexpectedly at her farm home Monday, May 27, 2024.
Janet was the oldest of three children, born October 14, 1946 at Horton, the daughter of Neale and Goldie Glenn Rutland and was a lifelong resident of this area. She grew up at Willis where she attended school but not finishing high school. Janet worked for Flair Fold/Abitibi Price Wood Shutter plant in Hiawatha for several years before it closed. Janet found out how important a high school education was and worked to obtain her GED, after which she worked at home health, doing whatever needed to be done to assist the elderly or handicapped.
She was a member of the Willis Christian Church. Janet was a people person, she loved the time she was able to spend with family, especially the grandchildren and great-grands. She liked to collect red birds, Coke a Cola memorabilia, Barbie dolls and working in her garden.
She married Glen Babbs. To this union two children were born Mark and Ronda. He was a minister and preached at several churches in the area before they divorced. In later years, she married Ken Burenheide, a teacher at Sabetha where they lived until he retired and they bought a small farm on the outskirts of Hiawatha. They enjoyed fishing their pond together whenever the opportunity presented itself. He died August 15, 2020.
Janet was also preceded in death by her parents, son Mark Babbs, and former husband Glen.
Survivors include a daughter Ronda Ferris (Terry) of Hiawatha; two brothers Warren Rutland (Nancy) and Gaylord Rutland, all of Willis; 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Can’t forget about mentioning her best friend, her dog Olaf.
Cremation is planned with the family privately celebrating Janet’s life in the coming days.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Chapel Oaks Funeral Home to assist with costs, sent to 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.
Special messages may be sent to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com
