Janis Kennedy

Seneca – On Friday, February 26th at 1pm, Janis Osborn Kennedy lost her battle with cancer and left this earth for her heavenly home. Her husband Carl held her hand and she was surrounded by her three children; Dru, Vicki, and Carmen.

 

Janis was born on February 23, 1938 in Tuttle, Oklahoma to the late Roy and Ida Kuhlman Osborn. She was Valedictorian of her graduating class at Tuttle High School in 1956. While attending Tuttle High School, Janis was both a softball and basketball star, averaging over 30 points per game throughout her high school career.

 

In addition, Janis raised and exhibited prize Shorthorn Breed livestock and was a leader in her high school Vocational Home Economics and 4-H Club. She was also a winning clothes designer and seamstress, both in high school and college. Her husband Carl often said that, “There wasn’t anything that Janis couldn’t do, if she decided to do it.”

 

After high school, Janis went on to receive an academic scholarship to Oklahoma State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. Degree in Vocational Home Economics. While at OSU, she sang in the Women’s Choral Club, was inducted into Phi Upsilon Omicron for her special leadership, service, and attitude; and was recognized by other leadership and scholastic sororities as well.

 

Janis and Carl had a chance meeting one summer, while she was attending Girls State and he was attending a college summer session. Carl set out to pursue the beautiful basketball star from the rival school, and they were married two years later. She spent the next many years rearing their children and “keeping Carl in line.” After the children were grown, she assumed the role of Office Manager for Carl’s business, as Broker and Registered Investment Advisor for Transamerica Financial Advisors.

 

Janis was loved and adored by all who knew her, including her family, friends, and neighbors. She loved to be with all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren; whether they were making cookies, swimming, or teaching them to water ski, (which was one of her many talents). She also took great joy in playing the piano, participating in the bell choir, and singing in the choir of St Mark United Methodist Church.

 

Always the homemaker, Janis kept a beautiful, inviting home, and always had an amazing meal on the table for everyone, especially on special occasions. She was always quick to help anyone else who was in need. She was the most wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend and will be dearly missed by all.

 

We will always cherish the time we had with her and will treasure the wonderful memories and stories of her, for many years to come.

 

Janis is survived by her husband; son, Dru Kennedy and wife Deborah; daughters, Vicki Merck and husband Tim, and Carmen Williams; brother, Dr. James Osborn and wife Mary Ann; sister-in-law, Rosemary Osborn; five grandchildren, Kevin Kennedy (Mikala), Claire Kennedy, Trevor Merck, Dustin Roosevelt (Sarah), April Bagwell (Jamie); four great-grandchildren, Kai Dru Kennedy, Collin Williams, Lucas Bagwell, and Charlotte Roosevelt.

 

In addition to her parents, Janis is preceded in death by a brother, Leon Osborn.

 

A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 am, Thursday, March 4th, 2021 at the Chapel of Sandifer Funeral Home with entombment to follow at Oconee Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 am prior to the service at Sandifer Funeral Home. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and concerns for the health of family and friends, Janis’ family ask that all who attend the service wear face masks.

 

The family is at the residence and flowers are accepted. Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com.