Sarah Jane Voorhees was born on February 27, 1942, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to Jack and Ora Lee Lutton. She was the eldest of three children, followed by her siblings, Jim Lutton and Jude Czenkusch.

Jane earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Kansas in 1964, where she met the love of her life, Vernon Voorhees. After marrying Vernon and raising their daughters, Kate and Sarah, Jane returned to school and earned a Master of Arts degree in Printmaking from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 1995.

Jane began her artistic career as a designer at Hallmark Cards. After leaving Hallmark, she established a studio in her home, where she devoted herself to painting and printmaking. Her work was exhibited throughout the United States and internationally, including five solo exhibitions in New York City. Throughout her career, she continued to study with fellow artists in Colorado, Vermont, California, Italy, and Greece, always seeking new inspiration and opportunities for growth.

Among Jane’s proudest accomplishments were serving as an adjunct printmaking instructor at the Kansas City Art Institute and as a docent at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. In both roles, she inspired artists of all ages and fostered meaningful connections within the artistic community.

Jane was also a generous supporter of museums, universities, and gardens, attending countless exhibitions, lectures, events, and galas. With her bright blue eyes and radiant smile, she brought warmth and energy wherever she went. People were naturally drawn to her kindness, enthusiasm, and vibrant spirit.

Jane’s artist statement beautifully captured the essence of her work:

“I think it possible to make work that is as much about time, memory, wind, weather, smell, happiness, anger as it is about the way a place looks. I experience painting like a dancer experiences a dance. I feel it emotionally in my soul and physically in the muscles of my body. Rhythm and a sense of touch are a part of my work; the patterns in the markings mimic the physical processes in nature. I construct layers in this process, like the strata of the land that inspires me.”

Jane is survived by her daughters, Kate Voorhees and Sarah Voorhees (Michael Turpin); her grandsons, William and Jackson Turpin; and her sister, Jude Czenkusch. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vernon Voorhees, and her brother, Jim Lutton.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 10, at 1:00 p.m. in Epperson Auditorium at the Kansas City Art Institute, located at 4415 Warwick Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri. A reception will follow the service.

Friends and loved ones are invited to share their favorite memories and stories of Jane as we gather to honor her life and legacy. Dress is casual.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Jane’s honor to the KCAI Fund in support of student scholarships at the Kansas City Art Institute kcai.edu/give  or to Kansas City Community Gardens. kccg.org

Jane lived a life devoted to art, beauty, learning, and connection. Her creativity, generosity, curiosity, and enduring spirit will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.