OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Janice M. Smerchek, 68, of Osage City, Kan., passed away July 15, 2025, at Life Care Center, Burlington, Kan. She was born Nov. 25, 1956, in Emporia, Kan., the daughter of Samuel D. Rhoads Jr. and Kathleen “June” Knight Rhoads. Samuel and Kathleen divorced, and Kathleen later married George E. Newton. Together, they raised a blended family.
Janice attended schools at Burlingame and Reading, Kan. She graduated from Reading High School. She later attended Flint Hills Technical College, and earned her CNA certification.
Janice worked at Newman Memorial Hospital, Emporia, Kan., and later at Osage Nursing and Rehabilitation, Osage City.
She was joined in marriage to Richard Smerchek, May 21, 1982, in Burlingame. Janice had attended the Burlingame Federated Church, Burlingame. She was an avid Kansas State Fan and loved playing cards.
She will live on in the hearts and memories of her husband, Richard, of Osage City; sisters, Linda Anderson and husband, Harlan, Osage City, and Sharon Spurrier, Howard, Kan.; brothers, Kenneth Rhoads and wife, Barbara, Osage City, and David Rhoads, Scranton, Kan.; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 25, at Ramskill Memorial Chapel, Burlingame Cemetery, Burlingame. The family requests attendees wear their favorite Kansas State attire for the services.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hand In Hand Hospice, and sent in care of the VanArsdale Funeral Chapel , 107 N. Sixth St., Osage City, KS 66523. Condolences can be left at vanarsdalefs.com.
