Janet L. Patterson's Obituary
Janet Lee Patterson (née Schippers), 73, of Pittsburg, KS, passed away on the winter solstice, December 21, 2025, at 12:09 AM, in Lawrence, KS, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving husband and family.
Janet was born on February 25, 1952, in Hays, KS, to George and Lillian (Dome) Schippers. She was raised on a farm in Western Kansas alongside her eleven brothers and sisters, an upbringing that shaped her lifelong devotion to family, faith, and service.
She graduated from Hoxie High School in Hoxie, KS, where she was a cheerleader, homecoming queen, member of the Future Homemakers of America, and a class officer. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Emporia State University, where she was recognized for her academic achievement and leadership. Janet was selected for Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, a national honor recognizing outstanding college students. She was also a proud member of the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, serving as an officer and earning recognition as “Top Tau.” Janet began her professional life working in banking at United Missouri Bank in Wichita, KS, before finding her calling as a preschool teacher.
On August 18, 1973, she married John Dale Patterson in Grainfield, KS. After starting their family, Janet devoted herself fully to being a stay-at-home mother, raising six children and lovingly guiding five to adulthood, following the tragic loss of one infant son. Janet loved deeply and would do anything for her children. While she did not work outside the home during these years, she was the quiet foundation behind her husband’s career at Pittsburg State University, faithfully attending events by his side and modeling a devoted partnership for their children.
A proud and devoted Catholic, Janet lived her faith through action. She was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where she served in many roles throughout her life, including Eucharistic Minister, choir member, Altar Society member, religious gift store volunteer, and provider of meals for funeral dinners. She donated regularly to the church thrift store and faithfully attended weekly Perpetual Adoration. She also served her community as a Girl Scout leader, supporting and guiding young people in ways that shaped her own family as well, with four of her children earning the Girl Scout Gold Award and one earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
Janet was deeply devoted and faith-filled, holding herself and others to high standards. That same intensity fueled her extraordinary generosity. She gave freely of her time, resources, and energy, supporting causes she believed in and bringing ideas to life through both large and small acts of service. From baptismal fonts to butterfly gardens, she quietly funded and carried out community projects with care and intention. She also played a meaningful role in improving Friendship Fields Girl Scout Camp, leaving a lasting impact on a place that shaped many young lives. She believed fully in the scouting principle, “Try and leave this world a little better than you found it.” Fittingly, on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Janet’s final act of love was giving the gift of life as an organ donor, extending her generosity beyond her lifetime to another human being.
She found joy in baking, completing puzzles, playing cards, planning gatherings, and spending time with her family. She was legendary for her gift wrapping, transforming even the smallest gift into something thoughtful and beautiful. Her carefully prepared cookie trays became a signature expression of her love at family gatherings and community events. She was an avid supporter of Kansas Jayhawks basketball, Pittsburg State football, and Colgan athletics.
She was preceded in death by her infant son, John D. Patterson II; her parents, George and Lillian Schippers; and her brother, Mark Schippers.
She is survived by her husband, John D. Patterson; her children, Jessica Barnes (Brian) of Grosse Pointe Woods, MI; Jerri Campbell of Overland Park, KS; Janea Speer (Dennis) of West Charleston, VT; Justina Gonzalez (Ricardo) of Lawrence, KS; and Joshua Patterson (Sheena) of New Albany, OH; her ten grandchildren, Derek, Miranda, Lillian, Jenna, Eleanor, Catie, Drew, Aiden, Nayna, and Veer; and more than fifty nieces and nephews, all of whom were dear to her.
The rosary will be held at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg, KS at 6:00 PM Friday, December 26, 2025. The family will receive friends for visitation following the rosary until 8:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, December 27th at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pittsburg, KS. Janet will be cremated following the service and later interred at the Timmons Chapel Columbarium. Arrangements are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Girl Scouts of the USA or Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Fund, in Janet’s name.
Family Forever. For Always. And No Matter What.
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