Janie Kennedy, loving mother, treasured grandmother and strong woman of faith passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 26, 2017.
Shelly Jane “Janie” Francis, along with twin brother Carter James, was born January 20, 1932 in Belle Fourche, SD to C.V. “Doc” and Vera Francis. Doc’s dental practice took them to many rural communities throughout South Dakota until they settled in Philip in 1943, shortly after the arrival of younger brother Charles “Butch” Francis.
Janie graduated from Philip High School in 1950, and in October of that same year married the love of her life, Wayne “Duck” Kennedy. Thus was the beginning of an amazing family, today 75 members strong. Grateful for the honor of calling her Mom were Becky & Roger Buhmann, Rapid City; Mick & Leanne Kennedy, Faith; Trudy Kennedy and late husband Dwayne Formanek, Denver; Cindy & Richard Miller, Philip; David & Angel Kennedy, Faith; Stacey & Robert Sharp, Rapid City; and Christy and Norbert Webley, Huntsville, AL. Over the next seven decades, two generations followed with 23 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. Although a widow at 48, she was the eternal optimist and encouraged and coached everyone with her words of wisdom and love of life. She truly led by example, and that is the lasting legacy she leaves behind.
Janie was a fulltime homemaker and Mom until 1968 when she became Business Manager for the Haakon County Schools. She later worked in the city finance office and Haakon County Clerk of Courts before opening the Career Closet. In 1987 she moved to Rapid City and worked in the City Planning Department and for Mayor Ed McLaughlin.
Her retirement in 2006 brought her back to Philip, when she embarked on the “labor of love” refurbishing her parents’ house. This is where Janie settled into her roots for the remainder of her life.
Janie was active in Eastern Star, First Lutheran Church, and a leader in Business & Professional Women (BPW). She enjoyed a good book, Friday nights on the town with Gaye, loved to paint, and was quite the bridge player. She never missed a family event and was always there to celebrate the milestones in her family’s life.
Janie was happiest with a plane ticket in hand. She traveled to Alaska, the Panama Canal, Belgium, Hawaii, Mexico and London. For the past ten years, Janie and her daughters treasured their annual pilgrimage to Orange Beach, AL.
Grateful for having shared her life are her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother Charles “Butch” (Dixie) Francis, sisters-in-law Doris Billington and Helen Kennedy, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Janie was preceded in death by her husband Duck Kennedy in 1981, her parents Doc and Vera Francis, brother Carter (Jim) Francis, sister Donna Joyce in infancy, great-granddaughter Sarah in infancy, and grandson-in-law Adam.
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 3 at 1:00 pm at the Philip High School Fine Arts Building, with burial to follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip. All are welcome to visit with the family on Thursday, March 2 from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
A memorial is established. Cards and memorials may be sent to Cindy Miller - P.O. Box 973 Philip, SD 57567.
Guest Book
We greatly enjoyed spending time with Grandma Janie when she was visiting Mel, Adam and family.
She was such a beautiful Lady. Her witty sense of humor and laughter will surely be missed.
We send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to all of Grandma Janie's family.
~ Dee Dee Mackintosh & the Carrillo Family
Aurora,CO (3/4/2017)
Dearest Stacey and family, our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother. A mother's love is such a special love, we learn so much from her gentle guidance through life. Our heartfelt love, prayers, and tears are with you.
~ Carol and Dan Bancroft
Rapid City, SD (2/28/2017)
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Janie was a wonderful lady and she will be missed! God bless!
~ Nathan & Brittney Drury
Philip (3/2/2017)
Stacy, Trudy and family, may you find peace in the memories of your wonderful mom. My heart reaches out to you in this very difficult time.
~ Kay Stambaugh
Rapid City, SD (2/28/2017)
Thinking of all of Janie's family at this sad time. We went to school together and had many fun times over the years. May she rest in peace. Sincerely. Bev and Cork
~ Bev & Cork Jahner
Kerrville, Texas (2/28/2017)
Dear Cindy, Trudy, and Kennedy Families. We're so saddened to hear of the loss of Janie--she will be sadly missed. Janie was always the epitome of class, kindness, and the perfect sense of humor.
Peace to your hearts.
~ Sandra & Bea Williams
Missoula, MT (3/3/2017)
Was shocked to hear of Janie's passing. A very special lady. Prayers and thoughts to you all.
~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler
2130 Ellen St. Sturgis,S.D. (2/28/2017)
Becky, Cindy and all of the Kennedy family--we are very sorry for your loss and know what special times you had with your mom. Hold tight to those memories and smile when you remember them and all the wonderful years you spent together. Peace, strength, and hugs to all!
~ Pam and Keith Bonenberger
Kadoka (3/1/2017)
Janie (like Carter) was a special, loving person and I loved to visit with her when I went to see Carter and Duane. She was so lucky to have such a large loving family, but that was her way Lots of laughter and love to everyone. She will be greatly missed but I treasure the time I did get to spend with her
~ Thaddeus Garvin
Austin TX (2/28/2017)
In any activity, situation or event, Janie was absolutely the most competent woman. In any organization she became a leader with exceptional skills. Her sense of humor was witty and disarming! My memories pale in comparison to the ones that you all share. Keep her memory alive by sharing your memories. We have lost a good lady. My sympathies to you all. Janie was a blessing to all.
~ Nancy Ekstrum
Green Valley, AZ (2/28/2017)
Our sympathy to the family of one of the "funnest" ladies we know. Sorry we can't be there as we are "snow birds" Our prayers for many more great memories--Janie would want that. Love to all
~ Rod &Sharon Baumberger
Sturgis (2/28/2017)
To Janies family, We were sorry to hear about Janie. May God keep You all in his care & help You know that Your Mom is looking over You and God will help You get through the next months. Our Sincerest thoughts & Prayers are with you. Kathy & Jerry.
~ Jerry & Kathy Noteboom
Yuma, Az (3/1/2017)
We are so sad to learn of Janie's death. Our hearts ache for you. So many good memories of her and your family. She was a special lady and her fun ways and smile lit up the room. Please know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time as you now travel your journey without your Mom.
~ Mac & Bev McCracken
Rapid City, SD (2/28/2017)
We are so sorry for your loss! All of your family and friends are in our prayers.
~ Ryan & Linda Miller
Omaha, NE (3/2/2017)
We are with you in spirit
~ Mackintosh family
13007 Grizzly Dr (3/3/2017)
Remember the good times and always keep them in your heart. A lady to remember.
~ Jim and Vonnie O'Dea
Howes, SD (3/2/2017)
May the family find comfort in loving memories, and in knowing that God is "close to those that are broken at heart; and he saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18) Our loving Creator, Jehovah God, has promised to soon "swallow up death forever...and wipe the tears from all faces" (Isaiah 25:8). With deepest sympathy.
~ T. Kelly
MD (3/31/2017)
I am so sorry for your loss. Janie was a great lady , Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
~ Dawn Knight
Philip so dak (2/28/2017)
To the Kennedy families - So very sorry to read of Janie's passing. She was always an elegant lady who put her family first. May the love of family and friends help comfort you at this difficult time.
~ Dave & Karen Webb
Rapid City, SD (3/3/2017)
We were so very saddened to hear the news of Janie's passing. She was a very graceful, kind and caring woman. Each time I was around her she made everyone feel like family. I can never thank her enough for being so welcoming to our whole family and hope your family knows how much we loved her. All our love during this difficult time. We love you Aunt Trudy.
~ Josh and Kerry Surring
Hermosa,SD (3/1/2017)
So sorry to hear of the passing of your mom and grandma.....she was such an impressive women. May God be with everyone as we adjust to live without this vibrant angel on earth.
~ Theresa Pekron
Arvada, CO (3/2/2017)
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Mrs. Kennedy. Please be comforted by the promise that one day soon death, mourning,
and pain will be gone from the earth forever. (Revelation 21:4; Isaiah 25:8) Until that time, may the love and support of family and friends help to ease the pain of your loss.
~ Cheryl D.
(3/3/2017)
So sorry for your loss.
~ Julie Moses Brown
Nebraska (3/1/2017)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. It's never easy to lose your mom, no matter what age! Keep the great memories close
~ Tom and Jane Aasby
Rapid City, SD (3/1/2017)
Our thoughts and prayers to all of Janie's family. Treasure your many memories.
~ Dave and Judy Gano
Meadow SD (2/28/2017)
TO Kennedy kids: Know that I am sorry about your Mom, you will miss her greatly as will the community. Always with a smile and a hello wherever I met her. Will miss seeing all of you as I am out of the area for the winter. Loss of the mother changes the family. stick together always. fondly Rae Crowser
~ Rae Crowser
PHilip sd (2/28/2017)
My deepest sympathy to Janie's family. She was a very kind lady.
~ Bonnie Moses
Nebraska (2/28/2017)
My thoughts and prayers for strength through this time.
~ Katelyn McSherry
Rapid City (3/1/2017)
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers go out to all the family during this sad time!
~ Leslie O'Connell
Rapid City, South Dakota (3/1/2017)
Our thoughts and prayers to the family. May memories sustain you through this time of loss.
~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter
Kadoka (2/28/2017)
Sheila and I are sad to hear of your loss of Janie. She was such a classy lady. We know she will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Steve & Sheila Ingram
Ft. Pierre, SD (3/3/2017)
So sorry to hear about the loss so your Mom. She was a great lady and a beloved friend of my Mom, Gaye Odom. We send our prayers to you all!
~ Bonnie and bill shaw
Ogden, utah (3/2/2017)
We are thinking of you folks during this difficult time, What a lady she was. Hold on to all the wonderful memories. Take care everyone.
~ Les & Joann Pearson
Philip, SD (3/1/2017)
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kennedy family.
~ Denny & Susan Walsh
Miami, FL. (3/1/2017)
So sorry for your loss, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Denise Williams Boehme
Missoula, MT (3/2/2017)
My dear aunt became a single parent too early in life. But she paved the way for those of us to learn to pick yourself up by your boot straps! Her legacy was raising her children to all be successful and love one another. I, for one, will be indebted to her for being such a big part of my life after losing my own mother. She was just such a beacon to us all! Thanks for the memories Aunt Janie and just know you will leave a huge gap in our family from this day forward~
~ Judy Goldhammer
Wall sd 57790 (3/1/2017)
Was very shocking to hear this very fine woman has gone to her heavenly home. Had so much respect for Janie. You are in our prayers during this difficult time. God is always at your side.
~ Roxy and Ray
Rapid City (2/28/2017)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Becky.
~ Nellie and Henry Chapell
(2/28/2017)
My deepest sympathy to all of Janie's great family, What a wonderful lady and what a loss to all of you. Prayers to all Joyce
~ Joyce and Ed Buchholz
Belle Fourche, SD (3/1/2017)
So sorry for your sudden loss. Our prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Keeping in our thoughts.
~ Bob and Tootie Formanek-Neville
Philip SD (2/28/2017)
Dear Cindy, Trudy, Becky, Stacy and all family, My heart goes out to you at your dear mother's passing. I am so sorry that her presence will no be here on Sunday mornings, but her spirit will live on. She was one fine lady! Blessings to you all.
~ Kay Foland
Rapid City (3/2/2017)
Your Mom was such an inspiration. She led her life with the grace we should all aspire to have. When I think of a strong, beautiful woman, Janey will come to mind. Her legacy lives on in you, kids. Keep the memories close. Hugs to all.
~ Karen Hanson
Rapid City SD (3/3/2017)