Janet Louise Spaw, 82, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 21, 2026, at her memory care residence in Lenexa, Kansas, after a courageous five-year battle with dementia.

Janet was born on July 10, 1943, to Ruby and Ralph Atkinson in Boonville, Missouri. She grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, alongside her brothers, Larry and Don Atkinson, who, along with her parents, preceded her in death.

While attending Northeast High School, Janet met the love of her life, Paul Edgar Spaw. Though complete opposites—Janet, level-headed and reserved, and Paul, a rebel-spirited, motorcycle-riding adventurer—he won her heart. They married in 1964 and built a life full of love, laughter, and unforgettable stories. Janet had a remarkable ability to balance Paul’s wild and creative ideas with her steady strength, standing faithfully beside him through every chapter—from his mowing business and countless car projects to even his most unexpected surprise: bringing home a goat that once wandered the neighborhood.

Though often described as reserved, Janet was truly a quiet force. She was direct, honest, and unwavering in her values—never one to sugarcoat the truth—yet she always made those around her feel deeply loved. Small in stature but strong in spirit, she carried herself with conviction, integrity, and a well-known dislike for curse words.

Janet and Paul raised five children: Paula (Reed), Greg Spaw, Doug Spaw, Curt Spaw, and Michelle (Coffey), all of whom survive her.

A devoted Catholic, Janet converted to Catholicism before marriage and remained deeply committed to her faith throughout her life. She was an active member of St. Patrick’s Church and School in Kansas City, Kansas, where she served as a room mother, PTO volunteer, and organizer of countless events, including Easter egg hunts. She and Paul built lifelong friendships within their parish community and even participated in talent shows together, once performing as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. Faith, family, and community were the cornerstones of her life.

Janet and Paul also shared a vibrant social life with a close-knit group of friends. They loved music, traveling, visiting the Woodlands Race Track, and hosting lively poker nights. Sunday breakfasts at IHop or Perkins after Mass became a cherished tradition, where friends and family gathered, and where their children happily joined, forming memories that would last a lifetime.

Janet was exceptionally intelligent and hardworking, building a successful career with Roadway Trucking Company, from which she retired, and remained active in the Teamsters Union. Even after retirement, she stayed connected with her coworkers, enjoying regular gatherings—often at her favorite restaurant, Corner Café.

Together with Paul and the Raney family, Janet co-owned and helped build Oscar Otter’s Waterslide in Wyandotte County, an outdoor waterslide and bar and grill that became a source of joy for the community and created countless cherished memories. Janet and Paul had a gift for turning strangers into lifelong friends, welcoming many into their home and offering guidance, support, and opportunity. Janet believed deeply in giving others a “hand up,” and her generosity touched countless lives.

Janet’s greatest pride was her family. She instilled in her children the values of hard work, education, and integrity, always encouraging them to do their best and pursue their dreams. Whether it was dance lessons, gymnastics, acting, or even a trip abroad, she found a way to make it happen. She was fiercely loyal and always there—whether to solve a problem, lend a hand, or simply offer love and support.

Her devotion extended beyond her children. Janet lovingly cared for her husband when he was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s and aphasia, tending to him at home until his passing at the age of 60. She also cared deeply for friends and others in need, including her dear friend Judy, and welcomed many into her home during difficult times.

As a grandmother, Janet was unmatched. She could care for multiple grandchildren at once with ease—disciplining and spoiling them in equal measure. She rarely missed a game, school event, sacrament, or milestone and often joined family vacations simply to help care for the children she adored. Even in her later years with dementia, her great-grandchildren, Jackie and Emmy, could instantly light up her face with joy.

Janet found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved music and dancing, especially Elvis Presley and Neil Diamond. She was known for her delicious fried chicken, her fondness for Tippins chocolate cream pie, Junior Mints, Valomilks, and chocolate marshmallow ice cream. She wore Shalimar perfume until we could no longer find it, faithfully said her nightly prayers and loved the Lord with all her heart.

Above all, Janet was a giver. She lived her life in service to others, always putting her family and those around her first. Her love, strength, and unwavering moral compass shaped the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Her family takes great comfort in knowing she has been welcomed into eternal peace with open arms. Her legacy lives on in the family she raised, the lives she touched, and the values she instilled so deeply in all who knew her.

Janet was the loving mother to Paula & her husband Dean Reed, Greg Spaw & Julie Griffin, Doug & his wife Karah Spaw, Curt & his wife Nichole Spaw, and Michelle & her husband Ryan Coffey. She was grandmother to Korie (Friederich), Jackson Reed, Mollie & Lylah Spaw, Brooke, Paige, & Wyatt Spaw, Hannah & Summer (Simmons) & Kennedy (Davis), & Brennan, Lauren & Peyton Coffey. Janet’s great-grandchildren are Jackie & Ema Friederich.& Karasyn Davis.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10am Saturday, March 28th, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 94th & State Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas. Visitation will be prior to the Mass at 9am, until the Service begins at 10am. Burial in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens immediately after the service. The family will host a luncheon for friends and family at Barleys Kitchen & Tap, 16649 Midland Drive, Shawnee, KS- 12pm-1:30pm.

Donations can be made in her honor to Three Oaks Hospice, 10500 Barkley St, Ste 228, Overland Park, KS 66212. Funeral arrangements are being made by Porter Funeral Homes- Lenexa.