Janice Kay Phipps

Janice Phipps of Goodland, Kansas passed away on September 12, 2024 at the age of 81. Janice was born November 19, 1942 in Benkelman, Nebraska to parents Iron and Ruby Mueller. Janice spent her childhood attending Bird City schools in Kansas. She told stories of tagging along with her mom and Grandma Elliott doing a variety of chores, including the putrid task of dressing chickens at Aunt B’s house. In high school she was active in band, playing the saxophone and leading the band as the drum major. Over the years, she commented multiple times wishing she could have had the opportunity to play women’s basketball, noting that she and multiple friends could’ve formed quite a squad. In addition, she would laugh noting how she blew her allowance buying records of her favorite entertainer, Elvis Presley.

Following her days at BCHS, she spent three years at the University of Oklahoma, graduating with a degree in education. After a short stint teaching at McDonald High School, she chose to return to college, completing a master’s degree in textiles from Colorado State University. Her newly attained degree provided her the opportunity to teach briefly at Northwest Missouri State in Marysville.

In 1970, she was united in marriage to Roger Phipps of Haigler, Nebraska. To this union, three children were born: Sloan, Torri, and Mariah. She forwent her career to raise her three children for the next twenty plus years. During these years, she taught sewing for 4-H, worked multiple hours in her rose garden, and attended virtually all of her kids’ activities. She also loved to gab with her friends, whether in person or on the telephone.

The late 1990s saw Janice move to Goodland where she recertified as a teacher and began substituting with a new found independence. She taught at Goodland and Brewster Public Schools. These were some of her happiest days. Once she stepped away from teaching, she began to travel the world. Having seen 70 plus countries, Turkey and Vietnam were atop her list.

At the time of her death, Janice continued to reside in her home in Goodland. Janice is survived by her children: Sloan (Hannah) Phipps of Kearney, Nebraska; Torri (Bart) Myers of Newton, Kansas; and Mariah (Chad) Fickbohm of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In addition, she leaves five beloved grandchildren: Owen, Murphey, Hollis, Elliott and Sydney. She is also survived by her sister, Vickie Thomas of Cheyenne, Wyoming and special neighbors Kendall and Jacque Cooper as well as Vickie White. Preceding her in death are her parents, Iron and Ruby Mueller.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Janice Phipps Memorial Fund and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.