October 25, 1940 – September 25, 2026
Janice Marie Hufnagel, 85, passed away on September 25, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born on October 25, 1940, in El Reno, Oklahoma, to John and Mildred Hufnagel, on the family farm near Okarche, Oklahoma, Jan was the 10th of 11 children, with #11 being her dear twin brother, Jim.
Jan spent much of the first half of her life in Oklahoma. Her life's journey and sense of adventure also took her to Baker City, Oregon, where she spent close to 20 happy and peaceful years of her life, she eventually made her home in Overland Park, Kansas, to be close to her daughter. For more than 50 years, Jan dedicated her life to nursing, caring for countless people throughout her career. Nursing suited her nature perfectly. She was caring and generous, but also independent and quietly strong. She never needed to be the center of attention and often showed her love through what she did for others rather than through words.
Jan enjoyed the simple things that brought her happiness. She loved yoga, painting landscapes, and cooking and especially loved eastern Oregon for the mountain vistas and pleasant weather. She developed a strong bond with her niece Mary Stearns, husband Flint and their two children, Josie and Lucas and was deeply loved by many in the Baker City community.
To anyone who knew her, there was simply no debate, Jan made the best chocolate chip cookies on the planet. They were made with love and became one of those special things that will forever bring back memories of her. Jan was the loving mother of Val Eugene (Gene) Walta of Oklahoma City, Carole (Walta) Lechevin of Leawood, Kansas, and Jane Walta of Gore, Oklahoma, mother-in-law to Elizabeth (Rojas) Walta and Philippe Lechevin, and a proud and loving grandmother to Vincent Lechevin.
After spending more than half a century caring for others, Jan leaves behind a beautiful legacy of service, independence, quiet strength, generosity, and love. Her family will remember her in many ways, including her artwork, the meals she cooked, her love of yoga, those unforgettable cookies, and especially the quiet and generous way she cared for the people around her. Jan was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed. Her memory will remain forever in the hearts of her family and all those whose lives she touched.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Okarche, Oklahoma, on Saturday, October 24, at 10:00 am with the Rite of Committal and burial to follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to KC Hospice House (https://kchospice.org/donate/ ) or The Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org )
