E. Janet Young went to be with the Lord on June 11, 2022, at the age of 85. She passed away peacefully at her daughter's home after a battle with cancer. She was born on November 5, 1936 in Emporia, KS to Henry and Nelle Ott and was the youngest of 4 children.
Janet graduated from Lamont High School in 1954 and was in a class of 10 people. She participated in basketball, softball, cheerleading, choir, forensics, student council and was part of the junior and senior play. After high school graduation, she attended and graduated from the Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia. She married her high school sweetheart, Gerald Young, on August 25, 1957 in Madison, KS. Together they raised 5 children. Gerald's job took them from Kansas to Wisconsin, Illinois, back to Kansas, and then to Texas before they retired in Grapevine, TX. Most of their time was spent raising their children in Overland Park, KS where they lived for 18 years. Even though they moved to various states, Janet always remained a loyal KU, Chiefs, and Royals fan.
Janet taught at the high school and grade school levels. She decided teaching wasn't for her so then worked as a credit office supervisor with two different companies. Once grandchildren started arriving, she was truly in her element as she loved caring for her grandchildren. One of the greatest joys in her life was watching her children and grandchildren play sports, and perform in recitals and school programs. Family meant the world to her and she was truly the matriarch of the family showing so much love and compassion to all. When her children were growing up, she made sure to have a weekly Sunday meal where everyone could come enjoy a good meal and each other's company.
Janet was a member of the Grapevine United Methodist Church where she was active in the United Methodist Women's Group. She often served meals in the "Be Our Guest" program where they cooked and served meals to anyone in the community in need. She was an avid reader, sometimes reading a book in 1-2 days. She also enjoyed playing the piano, singing, flower gardening, playing bridge, and maintaining her backyard pool.
Janet is survived by her children Michael Young (Marie), Kelly Panovich (Dwight), Jeffrey Young, Christopher Young (Robin), and Stephanie Young; Grandchildren Darrell Young (Shana), Matthew Young (Jimmie), Shaun Young, Courtney Stene (Shawn), Kirsten Young, Derek Young, Morgan Panovich, Payge Bush; Great Grandchildren Kaydence, Kylee, Nathan, Taylor, Piper, Xander, Kolby, Logan,and Lane; Sister-in-law Bonnie Ott.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Young; her parents Henry and Nelle Ott; one sister, Phyllis Toelle (Bernard); two brothers, Paul Ott (Kay) and Elmer Ott; granddaughter Michelle Young.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in memory of Esther Janet Young to support The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Donations can be mailed to The University of Kansas Health System, Attn: Fund Development, 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 305, Westwood, KS 66205 or given online at https://giving.kansashealthsystem.com.
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