Janice G. Thompson

Janice was born in Cameron, MO to Avanell D. Hancock and Gerald E. Hancock and raised in St Joseph, MO where she graduated from Lafayette High School in 1958.

Janice married Blair Piepergerdes in 1959 with whom she had one child, Kyle Piepergerdes. During this time Janice, under the tutelage of her Aunt Vivian Donelson, worked as a hairdresser.

In 1961, Janice married Robert Reynolds, with whom she had three more children: Douglas Reynolds, Lee Ann (Reynolds) Thomas and Gerald Reynolds. Janice worked for Missouri Methodist Hospital during this time. She also took up toll painting and found her passion and talent for art.

After relocating to Kansas City in 1978, Janice continued her artistic path studying with well-known portrait artist, Harry Fredman. Janice’s medium was oil on canvas focusing on, but not limited to, portraiture. She established herself as a well-known artist in the Kansas City and surrounding area. For the next four decades, Janice worked as an art instructor, teaching classes from her in-home art studio. She only stopped recently because of her health.

She also had a lovely singing voice and played ukulele and piano.

Janice adored all animals, rescuing many throughout her life.

As an infant, Janice defied all odds and survived spinal meningitis. This will to live marked her life and gave her great strength during periods of adversity.

In 2001, Janice married Larry Thompson with whom she enjoyed traveling frequently to Padre Island. Janice and Larry also enjoyed bicycling and walking together, as well as many evenings of line dancing. She and Larry remained devoted to one another until his death.

Janice was intelligent, extremely talented, funny and compassionate. She wasn’t afraid to laugh at herself and could find a bright side to almost anything.

She was truly an honorable hardworking woman. She lived her faith with a strong code of ethics, never belittling or looking down on those who did not share her beliefs. She will be missed by many and always remembered with love.

Her love and devotion to her children and grandchildren was paramount in her life. She would go out of her way to help them any way she could, anytime they found themselves in need.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Avanell Hancock; her husband, Larry Thompson; and two grandchildren, Brian Piepergerdes and Joel Reynolds.

She is survived by all her children: Kyle Piepergerdes, Lee Ann Thomas and spouse, Steve, Doug Reynolds and spouse, Tiffany, and Gerry Reynolds and Angi; her two sisters, Rosalyn Weldon and Lisa Hancock and spouse, Joyce; grandchildren, Lisa Mae, Kristin Beck, Julie Beck, Mitchell Reynolds, Taylor Reynolds; great grandchildren, Alyx M., Kaylee Reynolds, Ryker and Reznor Reynolds and fur babies, Mandy and Bubba kitties.

Janice's funeral service will be held 10:00 AM, Thursday, August 3, 2023 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 8144 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. Interment to immediately follow in Mount Auburn Cemetery, St. Joseph, Missouri.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleyhoge.com for the Thompson family.