Janet Dale Connors

Janet Dale Connors, of El Dorado Springs, MO passed away peacefully on September 13th, 2025, in Olathe, Kansas, surrounded by family. She was born on June 20, 1943, the daughter of Carl and Mary (Hosie) Connors, and was raised in Garden City, Kansas, where she attended local schools.

On February 3, 1961, Janet married Maurice Coen. Together, they had two sons, David Steven and Kirk William, who remained the greatest sources of pride and joy in her life.

A passionate lifelong learner, Janet began her higher education at Garden City Community College and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in special education from Saint Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, KS, later completing a master’s degree from Pittsburgh State. Her commitment to education and advocacy shaped her long and impactful career.

In 1973, after returning to Garden City, Janet was elected to the Garden City School Board, where she served two four-year terms—the last two years as Board President. Her leadership and dedication left a meaningful imprint on the district and its students.

Her career took her across the country, including a deeply meaningful chapter in the Wrangell, Alaska school district in southeast Alaska, where she served as Special Education Director. There, she worked closely with Inuit, Yupik, and Tlingit communities in Kotzebue and other Arctic borough schools, offering care and educational guidance in uniquely challenging environments. She later spent fifteen years as a special education teacher in the Walker School District in Missouri, continuing her mission of service and support for children with special needs.

Outside of work, Janet had a deep intellectual curiosity and a love of travel. She explored multiple continents and proudly visited all but two of the presidential libraries in the United States. She also enjoyed theater, film, and lifelong learning, often seeking out new ideas and experiences with friends and family.

Janet fought a courageous battle with cancer, facing each day with strength, dignity, and an unwavering focus on her faith and her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Mary Connors. She is survived by her sons, David (Geri) Coen of Overland Park, Kansas, and Kirk (Lisa) Coen of Olathe, Kansas; six beloved grandchildren: Steven (Haley) Coen, Daniel (Sierra) Coen, Sarah Coen, Grace (Santiago) Vallejo, Madison Coen, and Piper Coen; and six great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sisters Frankie (Chuck) Smith of Nashua, New Hampshire, and Tricia Fountain of Bristol, Vermont, along with six nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Janet’s life will be held at 1pm on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Nevada, Missouri.