Janis L. Carnes

Janis Lynn Carnes, 77, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away surrounded by family on August 17, 2025, following an extended hospital stay at Saint Lukes Hospital, Overland Park, KS.

Born on March 7, 1948, in Joliet, Illinois, to Wendell and Rosarita (Zobel) Brockett, Janis spent much of her childhood in Topeka, Kansas, before moving to Knob Noster, MO, near Whiteman Air Force Base. It was there that she graduated from high school and met the love of her life, Ronald Carnes. They were married on September 3, 1966, and shared 58 wonderful years together.

Janis was a devoted stay-at-home mother to her two sons, William D. Carnes and Ronald A. Carnes. She took great joy in raising them and supporting their many activities. In 1988, she and Ron partnered with Weldon Brady to build the Whiteman Inn, timed with the arrival of the B-2 Stealth Bomber at Whiteman Air Force Base. Their success led to the opening of a second hotel, the Holiday Inn Express in Warrensburg, MO, in 1996.

In 2001, Janis retired while managing both Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. She and Ron relocated to Olathe to be closer to their beloved grandchildren and to enjoy their many athletic events. Janis cherished family time, especially during holidays, and loved decorating, baking, and spending time watching her beloved KC Royals and Chiefs.

She is survived by her sons, Bill Carnes and wife Kelly of Olathe, KS, and Ron Carnes of Olathe, KS; and her two grandchildren, Jackson and Max Carnes. She is also survived by her sister, Barb Brockett, and brother, Robert Brockett; nieces Samantha, Maggie, and Gabbi Brockett, Tyann Carnes; and nephews Hank, Neal, Kevin, and Bobby Brockett.

Janis was preceded in death by her husband, Ron Carnes; her parents; her brother, Wendell Brockett; and her sister, Rebecca Brockett.

A private visitation will be held at Penwell-Gabel's Olathe Chapel on Thursday, August 21st. Janis will be laid to rest at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Overland Park, KS.

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