Jan LaRee Crews

After a 76-year life dedicated to the happiness of her family and friends and a career committed to providing health care to the sick and weak, Jan LaRee Crews, of Overland Park, Kan., passed away peacefully at home March 16, 2012. Jan was born May 23, 1935 in Kansas City, Mo. to her parents, Earl and Berenice Gutteridge and spent most of her childhood in Pittsburg, Kan. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Aubrey R. Crews Jr. of the home; her children: Bradford R. (Cathy) Crews, Douglas J. (Susan) Crews, Amy D. (John) Boothe, Joel C. (Rachel) Crews; eight grandchildren and her sister, Denise Inman.

After Jan was married on Dec. 20, 1953, Aubrey’s military career required the couple to live at several bases throughout the US. They eventually moved to Mission, Kan. and in 1966 they moved to Overland Park, Kan., where they would live in the same home for 46 years.

After working as a homemaker for many years, Jan attended Johnson County Community College where she earned a degree in nursing in 1975. She went on to work as a Registered Nurse at Shawnee Mission Medical Center for approximately 26 years. Just months after her retirement in 2001, Jan assumed the position of Parish Nurse at Valley View United Methodist Church in 2002, where she had been an active member for 40-plus years. As Parish Nurse, Jan worked tirelessly to help those who were sick or in need of health care. Thanks to her passion for selflessly providing care to others, she touched the lives of hundreds of people in the community. She was also integral to the church’s being awarded several grants earmarked to enhance the health of the parishioners.

Jan enjoyed nothing more than hosting large gatherings for family and friends at her home. She loved gardening, cooking and baking and traveling the globe with Aubrey and other family and friends. Jan was the proudest “Nana” of eight grandkids who have been profoundly influenced by her unconditional love and support. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Berenice Gutteridge; her nephew, Kurt Alan Inman; and her brother-in-law, Bill Ray Inman Sr.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to noon followed by a funeral service at noon at Valley View United Methodist Church, 8412 W. 95th Street, Overland Park, Kan. A light lunch will be served at the church immediately after the service. On Thursday, March 22 a burial service for the immediate family will be held in Pittsburg, Kan. Please offer condolences at www.mcgilleyhoge.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Valley View United Methodist Church.