Janet Whaley Obituary
Updated: Sep. 7, 2026, Sources: by Cornejo Funeral Home & Crematory – Wellington
Janet Elizabeth Whaley, affectionately known as Jan, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 3, 2026, in Wellington, Kansas. She was 86.
Jan’s death marks the passing of a longtime Wellington community member whose life was defined by family, service, hard work and the traditions she created for the people she loved.
Born on July 23, 1940, in Bluff City, Kansas, Jan was the daughter of Otha “Jack” and Alma M. (Froelich) Armstrong. She graduated from Bluff City High School before making her home in Wellington, where she and Jack Edwards raised their family.
A Dedicated Career at Bank of Commerce
Jan spent more than 42 years working at Bank of Commerce, taking great pride in her career and the relationships she developed throughout her years of service.
Her work made her a familiar and trusted presence within the Wellington community. Beyond her professional life, she gave her time to several local organizations and civic responsibilities.
Jan served on the Sumner County Planning and Zoning Committee, worked as an auditor for Panhandle Federal Credit Union and served on the board of the Wellington Senior Center.
Her community involvement reflected the same commitment to people that characterized her relationships with family and friends.
Family Was at the Heart of Her Life
Although Jan accomplished much throughout her life, her greatest source of pride was her family.
She cherished her role as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Bringing loved ones together gave her particular happiness, especially during holidays and family gatherings.
Her love for homemaking was recognized early in her life when she received the “Betty Crocker Homemaker of the Year” award. She continued to express that passion through cooking, baking, sewing and the family traditions she carefully maintained.
Jan enjoyed sewing clothes for her children and grandchildren, tending flowers and gardens, playing golf with friends and participating in garden club activities. She also appreciated fashion, dolls, Barbies and a good Coca-Cola. She found beauty in everyday moments, including sunsets over the open Kansas fields.
Jan shared 35 years of marriage with her husband, John R. Whaley. Together, they enjoyed traveling and attending rodeos throughout the country.
Family Members Remembered
Jan is survived by her children, Tommy Edwards and wife Janell of Wellington; Dianne Miller and husband Harvey of Wellington; and Richard Edwards and wife Amber of Van Alstyne, Texas.
Her surviving grandchildren include Lauren Chevalier (Cryprian), Katelyn Davidson, Chase Edwards (Lakin), Johnnie Ahrens, Katie Baker (Hunter), Jarrod Miller (Christie), Tabitha Thornton (Jimmy), Jessica Brown (Michael), Tyler Miller (Celia) and Logan Campbell.
She also leaves 14 great-grandchildren: Parker, RaeLynn, Trendon, Brynleigh, Karson, Cannon, Conleigh, Jaxon, Beaux, Duke, Lindley, Nora, Kip and Olivia.
Other survivors include sister-in-law MaryAnn Hennig, along with stepchildren Ken Whaley and Staci Youngwirth and their families.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Otha and Alma Armstrong; her husband, John Richard Whaley; and her sisters, Geneva Bell, Linda Jefferson and LaVonne Slivocka.
Funeral Services for Janet Whaley
Family visitation is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Cornejo Funeral Home.
Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 11, in the chapel of Cornejo Funeral Home, 1030 Mission Road, Wellington, Kansas. Burial will follow at Sumner Memorial Gardens in Wellington.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jan’s name to the Wellington Senior Center, 308 South Washington Avenue, Wellington, KS 67152. Contributions may be mailed or delivered through the funeral home.
Family and friends may share memories and condolences through Cornejo Funeral Home’s digital tribute wall. Arrangements are being handled by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory in Wellington.