Janice L. Hodgson

Janice Hodgson, age 90, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the Life Care Center in Burlington, Kansas.

Janice Loree Peters was born on April 14, 1936, in Garnett, the daughter of Ellsworth "Pete" and Viola (Smart) Peters. She was the first of three children and grew up in Garnett, graduating from Garnett High School with the class of 1954. She later attended Emporia Teacher's College. On June 24, 1956, Janice was united in marriage to Delton Hodgson. Their union was blessed with three daughters and nearly 70 years of marriage.

A natural leader and entrepreneur, Janice was a familiar face in the Garnett business community for decades. Beginning in 1960, she owned and managed the Jan Rae Dress Shoppe for seven years. She later opened Jans Craftique, where she shared her love for art by teaching painting classes. Janice taught painting classes to countless people for thirty plus years. Many of her students have shared that their time painting with Janice was their "therapy". In 1991, she became a co-owner of the Emporium on the Square. Although she officially retired in 1997, her active spirit led her to begin substitute teaching because she found herself a bit too bored in her retirement.

Janice's dedication to the Garnett community was founded in her passion to see Garnett not just survive, but to see it thrive. She served nine years on the USD 365 School Board and twelve years as a Garnett City Commissioner from 1989 to 2001, including five years as Mayor. She was a driving force behind many local projects, most notably as a pioneer in the development of the Prairie Spirit Rail Trail. Her commitment to the trail took her as far as Topeka and Washington D.C. to testify on its behalf, and she served as the group's president for three years. She was involved in numerous organizations, including the Hospital Auxiliary, the Lions Club, the Garnett Tourism Committee, and the Chamber of Commerce. In 2011, she and Delton were honored with the Chamber of Commerce George Clasen Community Service Award.

Despite her many accomplishments, Janice's primary focus was always her family. She was a constant presence at her children's and grandchildren's activities, often reminding her loved ones that "that's what families are about." She was a lifetime member of the Methodist Church and found great joy in singing with the church choir. Janice and Delton enjoyed traveling together, especially their trips to Germany and Austria and a memorable cruise to Alaska. In her quieter moments, she enjoyed playing bridge, her pitch club, and painting.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Ronald Peters.

She is survived by her husband, Delton Hodgson; three daughters, Rael Hodgson, Janel Wiederholt and husband Pat, and Stacy Holloran and husband Kevin; six grandchildren, Adam Wiederholt and wife Miranda, Erin Fisher and husband Roy, Andrew Wiederholt and wife Megan, Sydney Holloran and fiance Matt Leonard, Jacob Holloran, and Aubree Holloran; eight great-grandchildren, Henry, Zella, Brooklynn, Colton, Levi, Mary Ann, John "JJ," and Westin; one sister, Bonnie Beauchamp; her caregiver, Glenda; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Garnett First United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends at the church following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the Rail Trail and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.