Janice R. Holthaus

Janice R. Holthaus, 83, of Beattie, KS, passed away Wednesday afternoon, May 7, 2025, at University of Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, NE.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 11, from Noon to 5 p.m., at Kinsley Mortuary.

A rosary service will be held at 7 p.m., Sunday, at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church in Beattie.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, May 12, at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church.

The pallbearers will be Kent Schwarz, Courtney Cassidy, Tim Hill, Kelly Fitzgerald, Nick Mayes, and Dave Roever. 

Burial will follow in St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery, Beattie.

She was born on June 15, 1941, in Axtell, KS, to Arthur F. and Beatrice L. (McMahon) Rueger. Janice attended Barklow Country School and graduated from Beattie High School in 1959.

After high school, Janice worked in Lincoln, NE, for three years before returning to Beattie. She devoted many years to raising her family and later worked as the Secretary at Beattie Elementary School for the Marysville School District until its closing.

On December 29, 1962, Janice married Lynn C. Holthaus at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church in Beattie. She was a dedicated member of St. Malachy's, active in the Ladies Guild, and involved in numerous community activities.

Janice was a superior mother and friend—always ready to help, always caring for others to the very end. She was a Master Quilter, a Perfector of the Casserole, an Outstanding Creator of the Perfect Cinnamon Roll with Raisins, and best by far at making Frozen Chocolate Cake. She was deeply loved by all who knew her and was always there to lend a hand, whatever the task.

From devoted farm wife to school secretary to faithful church member, Janice gave her all without hesitation. Whether feeding cattle, hauling hay, or cutting tall heads out of the milo fields, she did it all without complaint—and sure enough, three times a day, everyone was fed.

She loved spending time with her family, socializing with friends, quilting with the “ladies,” and staying active on the farm. Her faith was central to her life, and she selflessly served her church in many roles over the years.

With all the memories and life lessons she shared, Janice leaves a legacy that her family will cherish forever. She was the greatest mother and grandmother a family could have asked for. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered for the endless care she gave to everyone blessed to know her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Joann Heiman; and her brother, Jim Rueger.

She is survived by her husband, Lynn Holthaus; daughter, Debra (Larry) Mayes; sons, David (Leslie) Holthaus, Doug Holthaus, and Dennis Holthaus; brother, John Rueger; grandchildren, Kelli (AJ) Govert, Kashli (Rex) Diedrich, Holly Holthaus, Diane Mayes, Rachel Holthaus, and Nick Mayes.