Janet Rose Huitt

Janet Rose Huitt 77, passed away Friday October 16, 2015. Mom didnt really want an obituary (though made it clear she would be happy to proofread should we decide to write one). So lets just call this a short biography with unfortunate placement. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mildred Hale; and brother, Fred Hale. She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Eddie Huitt-the blind date that lasted a lifetime; and daughters, Taci Fast (Gary), and Tori Bean; grandchildren, Taryn Clark (Ryan), Tayler Delay Fast, Madelyn Rose Bean and Benjamin Huitt Bean, Katie Fast, Peter Fast, and Courtney Fast; sisters, Carol Melcher (John), and Cindy Arnold (Mike). She will also be missed by nephews, Jon Hale (Lynn), Todd Melcher (Toni), Joshua Guldner (Jill), Jacob Guldner (Stephanie); and niece, Linda McGuire (Kent); family friend, Amber Masteller, as well as numerous great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Jan loved life and people with compassion and generosity. She never met a stranger. She was curious and patient, always partial to and rooting for the underdog (unless said underdog was competing against her beloved Shockers!). She was a wonderful cook and took great pride in family tradition, making every holiday and birthday a special event which always included an impeccably set table! She liked things done her way, even if you tried to convince her of a viable alternative. She always told the truth, whether you wanted to hear it or not..oh, and she really was always right! She held many unique jobs through the years, including soda jerk and doughnut dipper (we assume these resulted in her love of sweets). She began her professional life at KTVH, then Channel 12, and often stood in as a hand model in the days of live commercials. From there she took her talents to an advertising agency. Once her children were born she became a “professional” room mother, taxi driver, brownie and Girl Scout leader. She played an integral role in starting the first girls softball league on the west side of Wichita. Utilizing her knack for organization, she re-entered the work force years later as an executive secretary, and finally a marketing research assistant at Taco Tico Inc. She had numerous hobbies and interests, but her passion was the game of golf which she undertook at age 40. She could be found on the golf course 4 to 5 days a week during the season. Her perseverance paid off leading to two holes in one! She loved golf trips with “the girls” almost as much as coordinating her golf shoes with matching outfits. She loved ironing and made sure her teammates always hit the links wrinkle free. Her golfing girls became family to her and we would like to thank them for their love and support throughout her illness. Celebration of life will be Monday, October 19, 2015 at 2 PM, at Downing and Lahey East Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Amedisys Hospice Care, 250 W Douglas, Suite 101, Wichita, KS 67202. Their caring and compassion was greatly appreciated by the family. In honor of her love for golf, memorials may also be sent to KWGA Scholarship fund c/o Jan Knuth, 6120 E Murdock, Wichita, KS 67208. It would be a fitting tribute to don your favorite golf attire, shocker gear or shocker colors! Jan was energetic and spunky. Only weeks before the diagnosis of lung cancer she joined a water exercise class which she deemed “too easy!” She truly made a difference in the lives of many and could always be counted on for her signature phrase to ill or injured loved ones- “God love it, bless her baby bones.” We love you mom, see you on the back nine.