Janice Elaine Stoppel, 89, of Russell, Kansas, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, in Russell, Kansas.
Janice was born on September 27, 1934, in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of Albert E. and Amelia C. (Meier) Strecker. A lifelong resident of Russell, she graduated from Russell High School in 1952. She married the love of her life Bennie Dean Stoppel on October 20, 1957, in Russell. Janice and Bennie were blessed with 3 sons Brad, Blaine, and Mike. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church and was an active member of the Women’s Circle and Altar Guild.
Janice was dedicated to her family and loved cooking for her family and creating a home where everyone was welcome. Janice was happiest when her house was full of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Most of all her sons loved her wry sense of humor and sharp wit. Over the years, the boys brought home many of their friends and judging team buddies. Some of which were known to stay at the house for weeks at a time. They loved meals with the family and their conversations with Janice. She was a master organizer and the four men in her life tested those skills every day. Everyone knew that once Janice made a decision or commitment, she followed through with dogged determination. Janice and Bennie never missed a game, a 4-H meeting, the Russell County Fair, the FFA Banquets and the FFA State Convention. Janice and Bennie enjoyed the Young Farmers Group and spending time with other ag families in the community. They played cards with friends, and loved attending the Fair Convention in Topeka. She loved to dance and claimed that Bennie was the best dancer in the world, a fact she was not hesitant to point out to her sons.
While working at Home State Bank and the County Treasurers Office, she was known for being able to strike up a conversation with anyone. Those who encountered her, got to know her sense of humor and sharp wit well.
Surviving family include her sons Brad Stoppel and wife Sherri and Blaine Stoppel and wife Kim all of Russell, Kansas and Mike Stoppel (Charlene Rein-Murphy) of Paola, Kansas; grandchildren Brooke Whitney (Brandon), Blake Stoppel (Jessica), Brady Stoppel (Kaitlyn), Payton and Garret (Kylie) Stoppel and Lily Higgins and 7; great grandchildren Ainsley, Chloe, Colt, Coy, Reata, Brantley and Reinhardt Stoppel. She is also survived by her brother Richard Strecker and wife Judy of Wichita, Kansas.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bennie, her parents Albert and Amelia Strecker and her brother Kenneth Strecker. A celebration of Janice’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, October 30, 2023, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell, Kansas. Visitation will be from 1 P.M. to 8 P.M. on Sunday, October 29, 2023, with the family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Sunday evening at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas. Memorials may be given to the Russell County Food Pantry and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.