Iva Janalee Tait

Iva “Jan” J. Tait, 86, of Independence, MO passed away May 25, 2021. She was born on June 30, 1934 in Gideon, MO to Fernie and Ruby (Lesley) Johns. Jan grew up in Clarkton, MO where she had fond memories growing up with her sisters. When she was 14, she had to quit school to help take care of her sisters at home. In 1951, she moved to St. Louis and started working at AT&T where she met her future husband Robert E. Tait. On May 17, 1958, they were married and a few years later settled in Independence, MO where Jan was a stay at home mom raising their 3 children: Rob, Margo, and Becky. She was a devoted wife and mother who loved reading and beating you at Scrabble; she was an outstanding speller. In her free time, Jan enjoyed crossword puzzles, finding a good bargain, going to the boats with her husband to gamble, and drinking red wine. She also spent many years at their lake home in Sunrise Beach, MO with family and friends. Jan had a great sense of humor and loved to state her opinions; no subject was taboo for this die-hard Democrat. A truly strong woman who had endured many obstacles and was able to share her life lessons with others. She will be greatly missed.

Jan is preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Tait; her parents, Fernie and Ruby Johns; her sisters, Joycelyn Harp, Marilyn Johns, Nelda Jones, Bonnie Johns; and one brother, William Johns. Her survivors include one son, Dr. Rob Tait (Faye) of Lee’s Summit, MO; two daughters, Margo Conard of Independence, MO and Becky Workman of Independence, MO; one sister, Marsha Kjellberg of Washington, MO; seven grandchildren, Janea Robinson, Eric Conard, William Workman, Robert Tait Jr., Christopher Tait, Andrew Tait, and Gloria Tait; nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 1pm, Saturday, June 5, 2021, at Floral Hills Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service at 2pm. A graveside service will immediately take place in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation at 6405 Metcalf Ave., Suite 204, Overland Park, KS 66202.