Janine Innis Gravley, 61, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2022. She was born on January 29, 1961 in Paullina, Iowa to Joe and Belle (Strattan) Innis.
Janine was born on a farm in Northwest Iowa and her heart never left, even when she ventured to Hong Kong for nine years as a missionary. Always ready with a story to tell anyone that she came across, Janine never met a stranger. She loved to tell the story of her Grandmother Morgan who was a bridal clothing buyer in Omaha who often ventured to NYC on buying trips. She kept mints in her pocket and would hand one to someone who was less than kind to her and say, "oh here's a mint to sweeten your day." Janine was full of stories of the many strong women in her life. Her grandmother, her aunt Joyce, and most importantly her mother Belle.
Janine was a business person and loved interacting with people and helping them with clothes, furniture, or real estate. Her outgoing presence always drew attention and a smile or joke. When challenged by a man, she would willingly share about her work on her farm managing the animals and doing everything and anything a man could do. Janine always gave 100% to her work with others.
She believed strongly in doing the right thing with people and tried very hard to treat people well. She was an advocate for others and enjoyed giving back to others through her work with IHN and people struggling to overcome homelessness. She made cookies, volunteered her time, and loved being around others helping out.
Most of her friends have a story or two about Janine's laugh or voice. She was never shy about sharing her feelings on a subject.
Janine was a proud mom and always supported her daughter Katelyn in dance and cheer. She was always quick to invite Katelyn's friends over or drive them somewhere. She participated in the various parents' support groups and was fan #1 for Katelyn.
Janine always worked to create a "small-town" network wherever she was. She really never did leave the small Iowa farm town where she grew up. She wanted to know everyone and she wanted everyone to get along and help each other. You may be able to move the girl off the farm but you could never get the farm out of Janine's life and mind.
Janine is survived by her loving daughter, Katelyn Gravley; siblings, Kathleen Negus, Joe Innis, and Christine Axdahl.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Belle Innis, and father, Joe Innis.
There will be a gathering of friends and family from 6:00-8:00pm on Friday, June 10, 2022, at Penwell Gabel's Olathe Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to
The Single Mom KC.To leave a message of condolence for Janine's family or to share a special memory of Janine, please visit the guestbook below.