Janice D. Keeney

Janice D. Keeney was a woman of unwavering dedication, thoughtful generosity, and a keen attention to detail. Whether in her career, volunteer work, or personal passions, she believed in doing things the right way and left behind a legacy of service and excellence. She passed away after many complications following heart valve replacement surgery, leaving behind a life richly woven with meaningful contributions to her community.

A highly skilled auditor for the Department of Education, Jan approached her work with precision and integrity. She ensured financial matters were handled accurately, holding herself to the highest standards. Her meticulous attention to detail earned her respect among colleagues and reinforced her commitment to doing things the right way. After retiring from her distinguished career, she brought that same precision to her volunteer efforts, managing the Girl Scouts' annual cookie campaign and running a beloved summer camp with efficiency and care.

Jan’s Girl Scout journey began long ago, earning the First Class Award—the highest honor at the time—before becoming a proud lifetime member in 1997. She believed wholeheartedly in the power of girls, mentoring young women and helping them discover their courage, confidence, and character. Her leadership as Service Unit 601’s Product Sales Manager and her dedicated work alongside Girl Scout staff during Product Sales audits left a lasting impact. Jan didn’t just give her time; she gave her heart—her support of Girl Scouts, both as a volunteer and through generous financial contributions, was inspiring. Her decision to join the Juliette Gordon Low Society in 2016 ensured that her support for girls would continue for generations to come.

Jan had a deep appreciation for both the natural world and the arts. She cared for animals with tenderness, welcoming countless wild creatures to her bird feeders and cherishing the companionship of her beloved cats. Her curiosity and love of learning led her to teach herself Russian, driven by a desire to read a particular book in its original language. Music was another constant in her life—she played the bassoon in her school years and later found joy in performing with both the large handbell choir and an advanced quartet at Avondale United Methodist Church, where she was a longtime member. She also rang handbells at Platte Woods United Methodist Church, sharing her love of music with another welcoming community.

Jan’s generosity extended in many directions, always rooted in her belief that effort mattered. She dedicated her skills to managing taxes and payroll for her church, ensuring its financial stability with the same precision she brought to her career. She also made space for others in more personal ways, hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for singles in her congregation—welcoming those who might otherwise spend the holiday alone.

Beyond her professional and community contributions, she was deeply committed to lifting others up through education. As a proud member of PEO, Chapter KY/MO Parkville, she championed educational opportunities for women and fostered meaningful connections among her peers.

Jan expected dedication from those around her—not out of rigidity, but because she believed in doing things the right way. She challenged others to rise to their best, but beneath her drive was a profound love for her community and an unwavering commitment to making the world better in every way she could.

Jan was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Mildred Keeney. She leaves behind her brother, Mark Keeney, and his wife, Sandy Keeney; their children, Brad and Linda; two grand-nieces, Amelia and Elaina; and her beloved cats, Kitten and Missy D—companions who brought her joy and comfort.

A memorial service will be held at Avondale United Methodist Church on May 8, 2025, at 1 PM, preceded by visitation at noon. Following the service, interment will be at White Chapel Cemetery, 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, MO 64119. A reception will follow at Avondale United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the following organizations in Jan’s honor:

• P.E.O. International – Donations can be made at www.peointernational.org by selecting the "Make a Gift" option. Online and mail-in donations are accepted. The suggested project is the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education.

• Girl Scouts – Contributions can be made online at https://www.gsksmo.org/en/support-us/donate-locally.html or by mail. The mailing address for donations can be found on the same website.