OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Janet S. Colstrom, 84, passed away Thursday, April 24, 2025, at KU Health System-St. Francis, Topeka, Kan. Janet Sue Graham was born March 27, 1941, near Scranton, Kan., the second daughter of Edward and Davenna (Harris) Graham.
She grew up on a farm in “Possum Hollow.” If you asked where she was from, she would say, “Possum Holler.” She worked very hard on the farm and took that hard work ethic all through her life. Even after retiring, she would say, “I wish I could still work”. She passed that hard work ethic on to her children.
Janet worked at Osage Manor and the Dew Drop Inn. She did home health, then was a cook at K-Bar and Marilynn’s. There were times when she had to take on extra shifts and do other odd jobs to keep the bills paid. Her very favorite job was being “Grandma Janet” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She didn’t care about hobbies, but offer her a trip to the casino and she was ready.
Janet had many friends over the years, and she knew everyone. She loved to have “a cold beer with the boys.” She was mostly fun-loving and easy going, but if she didn’t like you, she would tell you!
She will be forever remembered by her daughter, Diane Colstrom, of Osage City, Kan.; son, David (Pam) Colstrom, Liberty, Mo.; granddaughter, Scarlett Lowery, Emporia, Kan.; grandson, Quincy (Hannah) Colstrom, Lebo, Kan.; four great-grandchildren, Gideon and Amelia Lowery, Drexel and Maevyn Colstrom; siblings, Joyce Herold, Osage City, Judy Mills, Girard, Kan., John Graham, Osage City, Jim Graham, Vassar, Kan., and Jeanne Samsel, Waverly, Kan.; numerous nieces and nephews; and her very good friends, Dwight and Elaine Langley.
Except for all the hard work, she lived her life on her terms. She had a lot of sayings and some weren’t always appropriate. Her favorite was, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Eddie Graham.
It was Janet’s wishes to have a visitation for family and friends, which was scheduled for April 30, at VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, Osage City. Family will have a private burial in the Osage City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to Luke’s Lifeline Foundation or Resource Center for Independent Living and sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. Sixth St., Osage City, KS 66523. Condolences cab be left at vanarsdalefs.com.
