Janet Marie Haas

Janet was born to Wayne and Marion Rich on May 17, 1952. She attended Shawnee High School in Louisville, KY and proudly attended the University of Louisville Nursing School, in the midst of raising her first two children, culminating in her graduation in 1982. She was married to Michael Haas for more than 50 years and had a total of three children who she adored and made every effort to endlessly entertain during their youth.

Janet was a natural born mother who loved her children and grandchildren deeply. Shelling out sage advice, always keeping it real with them and providing leadership to each of her loved ones that few mothers could match. She, without fail, would go to the end of the universe to comfort them in a time of distress, come to their aide in a time of need, help them rise to a challenge or just simply learn to be a good human. From Sunday School Teacher to Vacation Bible School Director to Girl Scout Leader, she did it all. She was the definition of a great mother.

Janet was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1983 and decided to make the most of every moment that she had on this earth from that point forward. With the strength, resolve and fortitude of a soldier landing on an enemy beachhead, she took on MS in a way that very few could. Approaching every challenge her body would throw her way over the years with a world class resilience that very few possess on this earth. Janet’s answer to MS was always to fight, never give up and make the most of what you have until the very end of life. She was the definition of toughness.

Janet was, as some might say, “a real firecracker” in every sense of the phrase. There were no secrets, you always knew where you stood with her. And, you also never knew what she might say from one moment to the next as she had very little, if any, filter between her thoughts and her words. That lack of a filter combined with her quick wit, keen eye for the nuances of life and a constant sense of humor made Janet an absolute joy to be around in spite of all the challenges she faced in life. She was always the life of the party.

Janet was known amongst those who were closest to her for some of her great quips over the years. Statements like, “you didn’t tell me it had wine in it” to a waiter after ordering a wine-based Sangria drink, or proclamations about “the itty-bitty titty committee” to her daughter and her friends, or proclaiming “I hate those pants” one year when her son showed up to pick her up for some holiday fun. She was also known for her special ability to assign the few folks in this world that she deemed enemies with extraordinarily crass nick names that can’t be mentioned here. She was always good for a laugh in so many ways.

Janet also possessed a keen eye for the oddest of treasures during her lifetime that few understood. In fact, she was known to collect many oddities throughout her life, things like costume jewelry, Beanie Babies, Furbies, various far eastern artifacts, porcelain figurines, Kristen’s chicken and many other nick knacks over the years. At different times in her life, you might find her in some of her favorite places; Suburban Christian Church, a buffet in the 1980’s, on the beach, at a yard sale or flea market, in a lawn chair sun bathing, with her family camping and fishing, or at one of her cherished family gatherings enjoying a shot or two of Fireball whiskey. She was perpetually having fun, albeit sometimes in odd ways.

Janet will be sorely missed by all those who loved her, but we all remain steadfast knowing that there is a tremendously special place in heaven for Janet that she has finally occupied.

Janet was preceded in death by her mother (Marion Rich), father (Wayne Rich), step-father (Frederick Rummage) and two of her brothers (John & Dan Rich). She is survived by all three of her children (Michael (Erin), Matthew (Dani) and Kristen (Travis)), seven grandchildren (Mason, Emma, Bennett, Colten, Elliott, Sawyer and Lincoln), 3 of her siblings (Philip, Anthony and Dawn) and a multitude of nieces and nephews. All of whom she cherished every moment with.

Following a small private service and burial, there will be a celebration of Janet’s life for all who knew and loved her. Please join the family on Friday, December 8, 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00pm at the home of Matthew and Dani Haas at 11115 Rock Bend Way, Louisville, KY for food and drinks. This is a come as you are, open-house type of gathering, so feel free to stop by at your discretion to share your condolences and celebrate Janet’s life. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.