Janice LaHue

JANICE A. LaHUE, 66, Leawood, KS, passed away September 25th, 2013 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in New Albany, IN to James and Anna Mary Wantland on December 2nd, 1946. After moving to the area and graduating from Shawnee Mission East in 1964, she attended the University of Kansas. It was at KU that she met and eventually married Ronald LaHue of Leawood on June 3rd, 1967. While Janice built a successful career selling real estate for Reece & Nichols, her real passions were her many friends and family. She loved reading, gardening, charting her ancestry, local history, cooking, her many pets and the lake on which she lived for over 30 years. Janice was active with the Junior League of Kansas City, KS and Kansas CASA, a children's advocacy group. She returned to KU and finished her degree in 1993. During this stint her two older children, who also attended KU at the time, were often told how "cool" their mom was by others who had her in class. Janice's love of life and resolve were on display until the end as she bravely battled a cancer her doctors expected would take her life two years sooner. She was a model of grace, humor, elegance, and compassion and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by husband Ron of the home; son Colby LaHue (Rachel) of Mission Hills, KS; daughter Jennifer Smith (Craig) of Tucson, AZ; and son Patrick LaHue (Laura) of Prairie Village, KS; grandchildren Lila Smith, Luke LaHue, Ruby and Wren Smith, and Connor and Sam LaHue; her father James Wantland of Sarasota, FL; her brother James Wantland of Overland Park, KS and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. The family wishes to thank all of her caregivers including the staff at Research Medical Center and Kansas City Hospice. A memorial service will be held Thursday October 3rd at 3:00pm at Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).

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