Janice M. Smerchek

Janice M. Smerchek, 68, of Osage City, Kansas, passed away, July 15, 2025, at Life Care Center in Burlington, Kansas

She was born November 25, 1956, In Emporia, Kansas the daughter of Samuel D. Rhoads, Jr. and Kathleen “June” Knight Rhoads. Samuel and Kathleen divorced. Kathleen later married George E. Newton. Together, they raised a blended family.

Janice attended schools at Burlingame and Reading, Kansas. She graduated from Reading High School. She later attended Flint Hills Technical College and earned her CNA Certification.

Janice worked at Newman Memorial Hospital in Emporia and later at Osage Nursing and Rehabilitation in Osage City.

She was joined in marriage to Richard Smerchek on May 21, 1982, in Burlingame, Kansas. Janice had attended the Burlingame Federated Church. She was an avid Kansas State Fan and loved playing cards.

She will live on in the hearts and memories of her husband, Richard of Osage City; sisters, Linda Anderson and husband Harlan of Osage City and Sharon Spurrier of Howard, Kansas; brothers, Kenneth Rhoads and wife Barbara of Osage City and David Rhoads of Scranton, Kansas and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many friends.

Graveside services will be held at Burlingame, Kansas be at 10:30 A.M., Friday, July 25, 2025, at the Ramskill Memorial Chapel in Burlingame Cemetery. The family requests that attendees wear their favorite Kansas State attire for the services. Memorial contributions may be made to Hand In Hand Hospice and sent in care of the VanArsdale Funeral Chapel , 107 N. 6th Street, Osage City, Kansas 66523