Janet Marie Goetz, of WaKeeney, was born on January 31, 1975, and went to be with the Lord on May 16, 2026. She was the beloved daughter of Gary and Donna Goetz of WaKeeney.

Janet was full of energy, strong opinions, and a personality that could light up any room. If she disagreed with you, you were sure to know it, but she also gave the very best hugs and shared the most beautiful smile. She had a way of making people feel welcomed, seen, and important simply by being herself. Janet’s joyful spirit, quick wit, and unmistakable sass left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know her.

She was a devoted K-State and Fort Hays fan, loved word search puzzles, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, Three Musketeers candy bars, and DQ Oreo Cookie Blizzards. Janet was famously the only person who would order a Strawberry, Grape, and Cherry Dr. Pepper from Sonic. She also had a unique love for collecting pens. While she rarely used them, she delighted in finding new and different ones to add to her collection, and it became one of the many little things that made Janet so wonderfully special and uniquely herself.

Above all else, Janet was most proud of being an aunt to her five nieces and their significant others. She was the sweetest, funniest, sassiest person, our favorite lady, and everyone’s biggest cheerleader. Whether celebrating life’s big moments or simply sharing everyday conversations, Janet’s love for her family always shined through.

Janet never knew a stranger. If she didn’t know someone when she arrived somewhere, she knew them before she left. She would always say, “Hi, I’m Janet, what’s your name?” That was one of her many special gifts. She had a remarkable ability to connect with people, making friends wherever she went and leaving others smiling long after their conversations ended.

Her family meant everything to her, and those who loved Janet were truly blessed by her love in return. She especially cherished the time she spent with her one-on-one staff member, Sandra Garner, who became both caregiver and dear friend through the years.

Janet is survived by her parents, Gary and Donna Goetz; her brothers, Terry and wife Melissa, and Brian and wife Jennifer; her nieces, Jacey Grevas (Callum), Hannah Goetz (Reese Nebel), Sydney Goetz (Josh Juenemann), Emily Ostmeyer (Kasen), and Olivia Goetz; along with many aunts, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Rest easy, sweet angel. You will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved you. We love you endlessly.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672. A Vigil Service will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by prayer of the Rosary.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 412 N 9th St, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Burial will follow at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at WaKeeney, 403 S 13th St, WaKeeney, KS 67672.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK), in appreciation for the love, care, and support they provided throughout her life, or for Mass intentions at Christ the King Catholic Church in Janet’s memory, and may be mailed to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.

To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.