Janie C. (Schaake) Harris
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Janie C. (Schaake) Harris, 87, passed away with family by her side, Monday, March 14th at Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence, KS. She was born January 16, 1935 to Charles and Isabelle Schaake. Janie grew up on a farm in Lawrence until her family moved to town in 1951 after the flood.
She graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1953. After graduation, she attended the University of Kansas, receiving a degree in Elementary Education. Janie taught school in Topeka and Lawrence.
Janie started dating John while they were in high school. They were married September 2, 1956 at First Christian Church, Lawrence.
Throughout her life, she volunteered for countless activities at First Christian Church. She was also an election poll worker for many years. Her hobbies included playing bridge, flower gardening, sewing, and craft projects. Janie will forever be known for her rugs and potholders. She was always excited to spend time with her family and furry loved ones.
Janie is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, John, daughter Jan, son-in-law Tim Matlack, grandson Johnathan Matlack, granddaughter Kelly Mayer and her husband Adam, great granddaughter Adalee Joy Mayer, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Dwane and sister-in-law Dorothy Schaake.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Janie’s name to the Good Samaritan Fund at Presbyterian Manor, or to a charity of donor’s choice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
A graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 19th at Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9-10:30 a.m. prior to the graveside at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. The casket will be closed.
John and Family
We were saddened to hear about the passing of Janie. I loved seeing you both when you came into Walgreens. I know she was a grand lady great wife mother grandmother . The Shafers
Harry Debbie
Jason Chris & Brooke
Condolences to Janie’s cherished family.
She was such a spark, such a fun part of all of the years of Community volleyball we got to share together. Rest in peace, dear Janie❤️
John,
Our condolence for the passing of Janie. Caroline enjoyed playing bridge with Janie and you and she have been longtime friends in the Optimist club.
Dwight and Caroline
Oh John, so sorry to hear of Janie’s passing.
We know she is now rejoicing in heaven.
Blessings to you as you walk through this difficult time.
John, Jan, Tim and family,
Janie has been a constant in my life as long as I can remember. Church, community, neighborhood ,—too many good memories to count. She was always serving, cheerful, and giving. We are blessed to count her as a dear family friend.
Steve and Kris Reber
John, Jan & family — I have very fond memories of Janie, not the least of which is what a good friend she was to my parents and all of us, really, even our dog, Sugar. We think of y’all often and hold you in our prayers, especially during this difficult time. RIP, sweet Janie; your laugh was contagious and your spirit brightened the room.
Su & Tim Carlisle
Janie was truly the ‘end of an era’: always available at church when an event needed a willing hard-working hand. Her wonderful daughter–Jan– and her lifetime companion and husband–John–are testament to the spiritual person she was. Heaven now has a special kind of angel.
From a “North Side” Schaake: My sympathy. John, we always enjoyed our visits. So proud to have a Tiger in the family too, Jan. Remember conversations with Uncle Charlie and Aunt Isabelle. Hope to see you Saturday.
Nancy Vogel
John and Janie are special people. We enjoyed many fun events along with Jan and Tim, John and Janie. You both always shared a smile and helped out at every event related to the family! We will miss Janie but continue with fond memories!
We look forward to seeing you all soon.
Rex and Lynda MATLACK.
We were sorry to hear of Janie’s passing. She was a lovely patient. May her memory forever be a blessing.
John, Jan and Family
We are devastated to hear of Janie’s passing. She was a Terrific Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister and Aunt.
May GOD bless each of you. May you find peace and solace as the days turn to weeks and weeks turn to months. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
To Janie’s family.
I am so sorry to hear of her death. I knew Janie through Disciples Women work. She was such a kind and welcoming person.
There is a new angel in heaven.
WELL MY FRIEND, KAREN AND I SEND OUR CONCOLENCES AND PRAYERS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOUR JANIE WAS A SPECIAL LADY. KNOW THAT SHE WAS LOVED AND KINDLY THOUGHT OF BY MANY. MISS SEEING YOU AROUND…………LYNN OLSON
Very sorry of Janie’s passing. Janie leaves a memorable imprint on all who knew her.
What a beautiful day and lovely service to lay to rest, a wonderful lady. Over the 20 plus years that I have known Janie she has always been such a, Godly, inspiration to me. Her hands literally never stopped doing something for someone else. Not to mention what a good bridge player she always was. Over the past two years with COVID, her health issues as well as my own, I have missed her dearly. Now as I continue to miss her, my heart will rest assured that she is finally at peace in her Heavenly Home. Deepest condolences to John, a truly extraordinary example of what a Godly spouse should be, Jan and Tim, Johnathan, Kelly and the rest of the family. Elaine and Stephen Horton
Marita Elliott Christian
Dear John, Jan and family,
I learned today of Janie’s passing and was heartsick. Janie was a special part of my life at First Christian Church along with John at her side. I was known then as Marita Elliott and Sam Elliott was a part of my life. It was always so pleasant to have Janie’s warm smile and wit when working with her on special events at the church. John and Janie were the first ones to come to the hospital when Sam was admitted before his passing. I had texted John during church that morning as to where we were.
Since that time I have remarried and moved away to Rossville, KS, but get back to Lawrence almost every other Sunday.
I was excited to learn that Kelly’s baby girl is named Adalee as that was my mother’s name and I hadn’t know any other Adalee.
Please accept my and my husband’s condolences for your loss.
Sincerely, Marita and Roger Christian