Janelle Kinnison

Janelle Lynn Kinnison (also lovingly known as Mimi/Gretch) of Stilwell, Kansas, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, September 20, 2022. Janelle was born in Independence, Missouri, on June 21, 1960, the oldest of five children to Gwendolyn and Kenneth Stuart. She moved to Stilwell during her teenage years and graduated from Blue Valley High School. Janelle married the love of her life, Kenneth (Kenny) Kinnison, on April 26, 1978. Together, they had four children and 11 grandchildren, who were without a doubt the pride and joy of her life.

To know Janelle was to be loved by her – and to be fed by her. Janelle owned and operated her own cleaning company, Clean as a Whistle, as well as her own catering company, Classy Catering, the latter being a trade in which her talents went unmatched. She only knew how to cook for an army, but no one ever complained about taking home leftovers in her trustworthy Ziplocs.

Janelle had just as much love to go around as she did food. She was generous with her time and resources, always willing to take in whoever needed to be cared for. Above all else, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and attended every sporting event she could. They truly had the best Mimi children could ask for, and she lavished them with love and patience.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Kenneth Kinnison; daughter Kristeena (Chris) Budig; son Jerrad Kinnison; son Brenten (Hillary) Kinnison; daughter Leslee (Jason) Chaffee; grandchildren Braelyn Budig, Berkley Budig, Beckhem Budig, Brixon Budig, Caiden Kinnison, Tripp Kinnison, Ellie Kinnison, Halle Kinnison, Quinn Kinnison, and Carsen Kinnison; sister Charlene (Edmond) Osby; brothers Kenneth “Gupper” Stuart and Erick Stuart; and many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Janelle was preceded in death by her parents; sister Reynelle Miller; grandson Brogen Budig; and nephews Michael Fisher and Derrick Miller.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 24 at 9AM, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 10AM. Both events will take place at Johnson County Funeral Chapel and Memorial Gardens at 11200 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas 66210. Graveside burial will follow at Aubry Cemetery in Stilwell, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Be The Match Foundation to help patients receive life-saving marrow transplants, or more importantly, become a marrow donor yourself.

No one was stronger than Janelle. She fought long and hard here on earth and we know we will see her again in heaven soon.

Tear it up, Gretch, until we meet again.