Janet (Kelsey) Offutt

Janet Kay Offutt, age 57, of Paola, Kansas passed away Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Nebraska Medicine Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

Janet was born March 11, 1965 at Kansas City, Missouri. She was the daughter of Karl Russell and Carolyn Kay (Carr) Kelsey. She grew up and attended school in Paola. She graduated with the Class of 1983.

Janet and Mark Thomas were married in July 7, 1984. They became the parents of two children, Stephanie and Eric. The marriage ended in divorce but they remained great friends.

Janet and Michael "Tiny" Offutt were united in marriage on February 14, 2006 at Paola. Tiny was her true love. He preceded her in death on April 30, 2015. The two are now joined together again which gives the family much comfort.

Janet had worked numerous jobs in customer service before her health declined and she was no longer able to work.

She enjoyed gardening, growing flowers, painting ceramics, cross stitching, and was a huge fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren. She loved spending time with them. She also was an avid pet lover. Janet was well-known for her famous outdoor Christmas decorations that many people loved to drive by and see.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her mother, and a brother Richard Bryan Kelsey who died in infancy.

She is survived by her children Stephanie McMahon (Johnathan) of Paola and Eric Thomas all of Paola; her grandchildren Trinity Lee Thomas, Jameson McMahon, Ellie McMahon, and Reid McMahon; her step-daughter Molly Offutt of Kansas City; her father Karl Kelsey (Judy) of Ottawa; her mother Virginia "Ginger" Kelsey of Paola; sister Beth Slawson (Mark) of Paola; many other relatives and friends.

Family and friends are encouraged to wear their Kansas City Chiefs attire for Janet's Celebration of Life. Her Celebration of Life will be held at the Lighthouse Presbyterian Church in Paola. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Contributions in memory of Janet are to the Janet Offutt Memorial Fund and can be sent in care of Dengel & Son Mortuary-Crematory, 305 N. Pearl Street, Paola, KS, 66071.

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