Janet Mae Rhodes

Janet Mae Rhodes, of Wichita, KS, passed away on July 31 at the age of 61. Janet grew up in Wichita and attended East High School before graduating from Wichita State University, with a BA degree and honors. Janet began her work career as an Activity Coordinator at the Lake Afton Boys Ranch before joining the Sedgwick County Detention Facility as an Activity and Independent Living Therapist. She then started as a Case Manager at Big Brothers/Sisters of Kansas where she proudly worked for 25 years before retiring as the Director of Compliance. Janet married her High School sweetheart, Brian, in 1980 and celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary this year. Along with gardening and reading, Janet and Brian loved to travel, which along with their love for antiques allowed them to explore the country and meet many new friends. Her greatest childhood dream was to travel to Europe and most importantly, Paris, France, which she was fortunate to do many times. One of the most memorable of those trips was shared with her extended family of Mom, Sister, Brother-in-law, Niece and Nephew as they explored Paris and London. Spring Break vacations were also a highlight as the family would explore new destinations together with "Moms in tow" for twelve consecutive years. She was very proud of her nephews and niece. Shawn, as he grew into a talented scholarship basketball player at KSU and a wonderful new father. Colten, for his success in tennis and as he graduated from Engineering at KSU and started his new job at Spirit, and Cara, for her success in tennis and continuing education at KSU. Janet had many wonderful memories of the family farm growing up, and in particular, learning to drive on dirt roads with her Grandpa when she was just 9 years old. She and the family have since shared the farm with many friends who have been able to share the same joy with their families. Janet truly cherished her relationship with her friends and their families, and always felt immensely proud and blessed to be a part of their lives as they grew. Janet was preceded in death by her Father, Sylvester R. Lansdown; Brother, Steven Ray Lansdown. She is survived by her loving Husband, Brian C. Rhodes; Mother, Doris M. (Roger) Lansdown-Pendergraft; Sister, Linda L. (Steven) Anderson, Nephews, Shawn (Sarah) Rhodes, Colten Anderson and Chris Lansdown; Niece, Cara Anderson and Great Nephew, Hudson Rhodes. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 pm, Thursday, August 4, 2016, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am, Friday, August 5, 2016, at East Heights United Methodist Church. Friends are encouraged to bring a photo of, or with, Janet to the services. A memorial has been established with Serenity Hospice Care, 9415 E. Harry S-302, Wichita, KS 67207. Downing & Lahey Mortuary-East Chapel.