Janice Deann (Sitts) Napper

Janice Deann Napper

Sedgwick - Janice Deann Napper, age 83, of Sedgwick, Ks, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021.

She was anticipating the joy of meeting Jesus.

Janice was the oldest of five children born to Raymond and Alma Sitts, born in McPherson and growing up on a dairy farm east of Sedgwick. She was known as a hard worker, milking cows every morning before school and driving wheat trucks and combines by age 11.

She attended Wichita State University for two years. She married and later divorced John Napper from Louisiana, where their three children were born. The family eventually moved back to Kansas, living in Wichita for three years and then Sedgwick the remainder of Janice's life.

The small town suited her well. She retired from Star Lumber in Wichita in June of 2004 as a human resources secretary.  

Janice was a pillar of her church, performing many roles including treasurer, song leader, and janitor over 25 years. Janice didn't talk about her faith:she lived it and set a good example.When someone was sick, she was one of the first people to deliver a meal in support. Janice was very involved with her grandchildren growing up and enjoyed attending many ball games, golf meets (even in pouring rain), and programs with her daughter.

One of her favorite hobbies was baking pies for others. At the church Memorial Day dinner, she was called the Pie Lady, and she organized, cut, and served pies for many, many years. She also loved collecting owls from different places.

Janice is survived by her three children, Randy (Paula) Napper, Cindy (Michael) Combs, and Brad (Marty) Napper. Her grandchildren are Jacob, Jared, and Logan Napper. Janice is survived by four siblings, Fay (Ernie) Alexander, Ireta Sitts Graube, Robert (Cheryl) Sitts, and Connie (Roger) Carlson. She was close to many of her nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents and ex-husband, John Napper.

A celebration of her life will take place at Plymouth Congregation Church in Sedgwick on January 4 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Plymouth Congregation Church or Good Shepherd Hospice.