Obituary

Wanda Janice Roberts, 95, of Quinter, Kansas, passed away on February 24, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas.

She was born on April 5, 1930, in Roff, Oklahoma, to Bryan William McKinley "B.W." Weems, Sr., and Catherine Mae (Hamer) Weems. She spent most of her life in Quinter and became a deeply respected member of her community.

Due to a childhood illness, Janice spent most of her elementary school days at home until sixth grade. The family moved from Oklahoma to Nashville, Kansas, in 1944 and later to Sawyer, Kansas, where she graduated from Sawyer High School in 1949. Janice continued her education at Pratt Junior College before earning her undergraduate degree in education from Fort Hays State University. She later went on to earn her master's degree in special education from Fort Hays State University.

Following graduation, she moved to Collyer, Kansas, where Janice met Cecil Roberts, the love of her life. They were united in marriage on June 7, 1953, at the Methodist Church in Quinter, Kansas. Together, they built a home in Quinter, where they would spend the rest of their lives.

Janice dedicated her career to teaching, beginning at the Hackberry one-room schoolhouse in the Missouri Flats area. She later taught third and fourth grades in Quinter before specializing in special education. A true pioneer in her field, she helped establish one of the first special education programs in the state of Kansas. Her passion and commitment touched countless students and families throughout her career. She retired from teaching in 1992.

In recognition of her contributions to education, Janice was inducted into the Quinter High School Teacher Hall of Fame. She was also an active member of the United Methodist Women, the United Methodist Church, the Valhalla Club, and the Friends of the Library.

Janice found great joy in reading, fishing with her late husband Cecil Roberts, and especially spending time camping with her family at Cedar Bluff. She cherished time with her loved ones and created lasting memories through her quiet strength, kindness, and devotion, as well as her infectious laugh that could brighten any room. Janice's devotion to Christ was always uppermost in her life. She cared about those around her both emotionally and spiritually.

Janice is survived by her children, Terry (Donna) Roberts, Colby, KS, Julinne Samuelson, Quinter, KS; grandchildren, David Cassaw, Carlsbad, CA, Ryan Cassaw, Gove, KS, Corey (Katy) Cassaw, Shawnee, KS. Tanner (Michelle) Samuelson, Lawrence, KS, Blaine (Amanda), Samuelson, Norton, KS, Brynn Samuelson, Los Angeles, CA; nine great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Jim Weems, Superior, NE, Bruce (Cheryl) Weems, Ada, OK; sister, Catherine (Jerry) Martin, Salina, KS and brother-in-law, Frank Sullivan, Superior, NE.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Cecil Roberts, and her parents, B.W. and Catherine Weems. A brother, Bryan "Bud" Weems, a sister, Gayle Sullivan, and a great-grandson, Clay Dewal.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Quinter Methodist Church, 218 W. 4th Street, Quinter, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to Jay Johnson Public Library, Quinter School Special Services, or Quinter Public Schools Library and may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main St., Quinter, KS 67752.

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