October 14 2009

WCHS/THS - Oct 09 - Janis MacPherson
October 14, 2009

Dear Classmate,

--------- Janis (MacPherson) Tompkins -----------

Here�s the update on what I know about Janis� death and plans for an upcoming memorial gathering.

Janis (MacPherson) Tompkins passed away last Saturday night, October 10, 2009. She was the bubbly, fun, crazy, life-loving Janis we all remember, but she was faced with complications of diabetes, particularly in the last couple of years. Some of you will have seen her obituary in the Kansas City Star on Tuesday, October, 13, but for those who did not, I am copying it here:

Janis Lynne (MacPherson) Tompkins

Janis Lynne Tompkins completed her years on this earth October 10, 2009. A celebration of Janis' life will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at the family home. The family requests no flowers or plants. Contributions can be made to Heartland Therapeutic Riding Academy, Box 31, Stilwell, KS 66085, Animal Haven, KCK, or American Diabetes Association . Janis lived in Independence most of her life. She graduated from William Chrisman High School and Graceland College . She worked for Phoenix Films of New York City and in the medical field locally. She was a former president of the Greater Kansas City Arabian Horse Association. She loved her Arabians, particularly her stallion, BayEl. Janis is survived by her husband, Gordon, mother, Mary MacPherson, brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Diane MacPherson and a nephew, Ryan MacPherson. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.kccremation.com. Arrangements: Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri , 8837 Roe, Prairie Village , KS 66207 (913) 383-9888.

Cecil asked, and yes, that is accurate--- the Celebration of Life gathering will not be until Sunday, Nov. 22, from 2 to 5p.m. at Janis and Gordon�s home. I can give you an address and directions later if you need that information. Part of the reason that the memorial service is not until November is to allow for her nephew, Ryan, to be able to come. Ryan was a wonderful highlight of Janis� life and she was so very proud of him. He is an accomplished opera singer. I am very fortunate to have travelled with Janis and Gordon to hear him sing at Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown , NY last summer before Janis got so sick. My older son, Joel, lives in Cooperstown and is associated with Glimmegrlass, too, so we all got to visit family on that trip. So, it�s important to gather when Ryan can be there.

I know it would mean a lot to Janis� family for any of you who can make it to come on November 22. I will look forward to seeing you, too. We will remember Janis---and the good times--- remember, we really were young once, right?

I�m sad for the reason, but glad to be connected with you all again through our class newsletter.

Vikki (Updike) Morain

-------------------- from Larry McConnell on Janis ---------

I don't know if you saw Janis' obit in the Star or Examiner on Monday. I'm sure you remember her. She was a yell leader for two years with the Pep Club and went to Benton with us from second grade on. Really a nice gal. Could you pass the info on to the rest of the class?

Thanks.
Larry Mcconnell

---------------- Jeannie Sympson Hall -------------

Polly, Jeannie's Sister passed early Tuesday morning. Tentatively, there will be a Memorial Service 10 am Monday at the Assembly of God Church, M-291 S and 50 Hwy - outer Road - Lee's Summit, MO. Final plans are not yet available. For information and to express condolences, call Jeannie (816) 836-2786.

----------- Want Off our mailing list? -----------

If you no longer wish to be on our mailing list, just click on http://www.tmes.biz/cgi-bin/maillist/register.cgi?unsubscribe=xxxx.

See ya,
Cecil

-------------------------------- added after sending ------------------------

I won't make it to the memorial service, but I'd like to share a memory with her family--kind of a silly one. Anyone who is going can print this and take it along, if you think it is okay to share.

In high school, we always called Janice "Moose McPherson." Everyone called her Moose. The day that a bunch of Chrisman/Truman grads were moving into dorms at Graceland, I saw her and Vicki Updike (?) (Morain now) somewhere on campus. Vicki's mom was with them. I hollered at Moose and Vicki. When I caught up to them, Vicki's mom kind of took me aside and said, "Now that Janice is starting college, she deserves to lose her nickname Moose. You need to start calling her Janice from now on." So she became Janice after that. I had never thought about her nickname, and I don't even think I knew where she got it. That had been her nickname since elementary school, I think. I had never even considered how awful some nicknames could be until the moment Vicki's mom talked to me. I guess I never had a nickname to that point in my life. I do remember Janice as being such a lot of fun to be around, very quick-witted and funny. I'm sorry I have lost track of her over the years since college (which was 40 years ago as of last weekend's reunion.) My sincere condolences to her loved ones.

Sincerely,
Jo Ann (Roberts) Jones

Past e-mails FYI

October 14, 2009 Special

	Privacy Policy		Terms of Use
		Copyright © 2005-2007 Cecil R. Taylor (800) 393-9097 - Please leave a message - we will call you back.