Mary Janice "Jan" Staatz, age 81, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Pleasant Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center in Pleasant Hill, Missouri.

She was born on Sunday, October 3, 1943, in Wichita, Kansas to Delbert and Loreva (Terrell) Grantham.

On August 7, 1976, she and Charles "Charley" Staatz were united in marriage.

Jan's earliest career was being a beautician. Then she worked for the Warrensburg School District for many years. She earned the love of many students that called her "Mom."

Jan loved to travel and go to the stock car races with Charley. And made countless trips to the lake hauling lots of kids.

After Charley's passing, she had 2 special neighbors that were such a blessing. John and Kevin, helped her be able to live alone a bit longer.

In the last season of Jan's life, while dealing with dementia, she was given an angel named Stephanie. She quickly became her Bonus Daughter. Stephanie encouraged Jan to become involved with her nursing home community. She took her to bingo and started a Fedora Hat Club for her and her friends in the home. She also got her involved in church. Jan loved Pastor Brent and singing the hymns.

Dementia is so hard. But with love, determination and consistency there can still be happiness.

Jan is survived by her children, Melissa (Tim) Shafer and Thom Montgomery; her step-children, Rod (Chris) Staatz and Barb Bancroft; and a grandson, Trey Copeland.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Joyce Grantham; husband Charley and her beloved dog Cookie.

Jan chose cremation without a service.