Janice D. (Newell) Napell, age 77, of Hays, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, surrounded by family and a wonderful medical team. She was born January 9, 1949, in Stockton, Kansas, to Oliver and Velma (Manny) Newell, being 1 of 7 children.
On October 26, 1974, she was united in marriage to Donald (Nipple) Napell in Damar, Kansas. He preceded her in death on November 19, 2020.
Janice graduated from Palco High School in 1968. She held many jobs over the years, most of the time holding more than 1 job at a time. She retired from FHSU at the age of 71 in January of 2020. Janice was everyone’s favorite, from the grandkids, siblings, nieces, nephews and extended family that goes far beyond blood. As important as her faith was to her she lived for her 4 grandchildren and never missed an event. In the days leading up to her husband and Heavenly Father calling her home, she was surrounded by family, celebrating her sisters 80th birthday just days before, in which her oldest grandson drove her to Salina and back, taking the 3 younger grandchildren bowling and to the park showering them all with love and the remembrance of who she was. Her family was the center of her joy and happiness. Janice was very out going, out spoken and never knew a stranger, as she would talk to or strike up a conversation with anyone, and if you were her friend, you quickly became part of her family. Even after her passing, Janice, being the loving and giving person she has always been, continued her gifting by offering life after death by her wishes carried out of being an organ donor. Her love, warmth, kindness, generous and genuine spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her son, Adam (Nicole) Napell of Hays, and beloved grandchildren, Callum, Camden, Liam and Jamison; her brothers, Wayne Newell of Hays, Allen Newell of Stilwell, Kansas, and Roger (Kim) Newell of Salina; her sisters, Joan Peterson of Salina and Cinta Foster of Louisiana; and her goddaughters, Vivian and Gabriella Aubel, daughters of Jim and Mara Aubel, along with numerous nieces, nephews and greats.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; her parents, Oliver and Velma Newell; her brother, Loren Newell and dear family friend Jean Gruse.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Hays Family Worship Center, 1651 Yocemento Avenue, Hays, Kansas 67601. The family will receive guests from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church. Memorial visitation will be held Friday, February 27, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory – Brock’s Chapel, 2509 Vine Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Ellis County Fire Department Company No. 5 or to the CCLJ Education Fund (for her grandchildren). Checks may be made payable to the organization of your choice.
Condolences may be left in the guestbook at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com.