PITTSBURG - On April Fool’s Day in 1931, Janis L. Deckert was born at home in a blinding snowstorm to William H. and Alta (Heyen) Dierking of Stafford, KS. Janis died peacefully in her sleep on December 14th, at her residence in Pittsburg after a long illness. She was an only child raised by loving parents and formed bonding friendships with neighboring farm children and cousins. She attended country grade school and graduated from Stafford High School in 1949. Janis then married her sweetheart, Dwayne Deckert and worked by his side on the family farm northwest of Pawnee Rock for 40 years. Together they raised two daughters, Rhonda Gayle and Sondra Lynn. 

Janis spent many years teaching sewing and cooking to 4-H children and sewed hundreds of costumes, holiday outfits and wedding attire for family and friends. She was a member of Bergthal Mennonite Church of Pawnee Rock. In 1989, she and Dwayne moved to Great Bend and enjoyed many coffee and lunch outings and vacations with their friends. She joined the First United Methodist Church in Great Bend after their move. 

Janis was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dwayne (2017) and daughter Rhonda (2011). She is survived by her daughter, Sondra Collins, 2 granddaughters and their husbands, and 4 great granddaughters. 

Per Janis’s wishes, there will be no viewing or visitation, however, a register book will be available to sign at Bryant Funeral Home Wednesday, December 18th and Thursday, December 19th. A private graveside service is planned at Mennonite Memorial Cemetery in Pawnee Rock. The family suggests memorials be given to the charity of your choice or pay it forward by being kind to a neighbor. Bryant Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements.

Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, Kansas 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 18, 2019