Janet Marie Edwards

Janet Marie Edwards, 75, of Louisiana, passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at her home. A Celebration of Life for Jan will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Louisiana. Cremation rites are under the direction of Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana. The family invites everyone to bring pictures of Jan to share. Jan was born March 9, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri to Raymond and Madeline (Volmert) Ritchey. She was united in marriage to Dennis “Denny” Lee Edwards in November 1982. He preceded her in death on August 9, 2017. Jan grew up in the St. Louis area. Her family, impressed with the booming river town, moved to Louisiana in 1971 to take advantage of the many opportunities the town held. Jan still resided in that same house at her time of death. She was proud of her town and liked to help support it whenever she could. She had just recently been elected as Alderman for Ward 2, though she never got the chance to fulfill her duties. Jan, affectionately know as “Granny” to the many people whose lives she touched, operated an in-home daycare for over 50 years. She lovingly cared for and nurtured many young children during that time. During her 75 years, Jan was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Elkettes 791. She was involved in the Louisiana Khoury League for many years in the 1970s - 90s. Jan was a member of the Louisiana Fire Department for 25 years and was the first woman firefighter on the force. Jan loved to bowl and traveled to State and National bowling tournaments often. She loved to spend her free time cooking and baking. Jan was known for her banana muffins, variety of homemade cookies, and popcorn balls on Halloween. She always enjoyed a good firework display and loved to sit on her front porch watching the neighborhood kids. Jan was a caring person with a huge heart, and she will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to be a part of her life. Jan is survived by her son, Michael KinKade Jr. (Hattie) of St. Charles; daughter, Kimberly Reid (Phillip) of Bowling Green; step-daughters, Christina Edwards (Tony) of Cedar Hill, Missouri, Delcie Smith (Mark) of Louisiana, Audra Grimmett (Alan) of Curryville, and Bridgette Worley (Kyle) of Bowling Green; grandchildren: Emily Clemons (Derrick), Bryson KinKade (Madison), Madeline KinKade (Zach), Braxton Wallace, Bailey Wallace (Tom), Bethany Wallace, Kirsten Buchanan (Cole), McKinley White (Michael), Brock Reid (Kelly), Megan During (Andy), Nicholas Homan (Lindsey), Kelsey Quattrocchi (Philip), Shelby Splain (Bobby), Tylor and Taylor Darnell, Kaleb Worley (Jamie), and Kameron Worley (Quinn); 17 great-grandchildren with one due in June; along with several nieces and nephews and a large extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brothers, Ron Ritchey and Steve Ritchey. Memorials may be made to Pike County Home Health and Hospice or the Trimble House of Louisiana. Online condolences may be made at www.collierfuneral.com.

Janet Marie Edwards

March 9, 1950 - April 23, 2025