Janet Kay Van Gieson was born on August 12, 1963 in Kingman, Kansas, the daughter of Clarence Homer and Helen Louise (Walters) Ward.  She grew up on her family's farm northwest of Norwich, Kansas.  Attending school in Norwich, Janet graduated from Norwich High School with the class of 1981.  Her family were members of the Norwich Church of Christ and she was baptized there in her youth.

Marrying Robert Eugene Van Gieson on May 23, 1981, the couple then went with Robert's family on their harvest crew.  After the harvest season, they returned to Norwich and lived in town for a number of years.  They were blessed with two children, Adam and Jamie.  In the early 1990's, they purchased Janet's family farm, and this became their lifelong home.

Growing up and getting married there, the Norwich Church of Christ was their home and family.  As dedicated members, Janet was a bible school teacher and she was a singer in church groups, during worship service, and at funerals.  A loving homemaker and mother, Janet also spent several years as a local Girl Scout Leader.

After a long and determined battle with cancer, Janet passed away at home with family by her side on June 11, 2026.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Helen Ward, father-in-law, Harley Van Gieson, and brother-in-law, Randy Van Gieson.  Janet will be missed and remembered by her husband of 45 years, Robert of the home; son, Adam Van Gieson and his wife, Kassey of Goddard, Kansas; daughter, Jamie Van Gieson of Highland, Kansas; grandchildren, Nicholas and Olivia Van Gieson; sister, Kasey Briggs and her husband, Pat of Charleston, South Carolina; brother, Les Ward of Norwich; Aunts, Harriet Walters of Norwich and Carol Walters of Kingman; mother-in-law, Marilyn Van Gieson of Kingman; sister-in-law, Janet R. Van Gieson of Norwich; brother-in-law, Wayne Van Gieson and his wife, Grace of Norwich; sisters-in-law, Lori Maness and her husband, Paul of Norwich and Jodi Van Gieson and her husband, Kyle of Carter, Oklahoma; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Memorial Service is 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 22, 2026 at the Norwich Methodist Church with Mark Turner officiating.  A private family inurnment will take place at the Upchurch Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Janet may be made payable to the Norwich Church of Christ and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas  67058