Janet Kay Snyder

Janet Kay Snyder passed away on October 28, 2026, at Northeast Regional Medical Center. She was born on June 15, 1938, to Paul and Dorothy Snyder. A lifelong lover of family, friends, fashion, travel, art, and community, Janet lived a full and vibrant life, leaving behind countless memories and a legacy of love that will continue through the generations.

Janet graduated from Kirksville Senior High School in 1956, a place she remembered with great fondness. Her high school years were filled with wonderful memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime. She was a band majorette and was honored to be named Homecoming Queen. She later attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College and Merrell University of Esthetics.

On August 25, 1957, Janet married Charles "Cork" Franklin. Together they welcomed two children, Brenda and Brent, who became the center of her world. Janet was a devoted mother, serving as a homeroom mother and, more importantly, her children's biggest cheerleader. Whether on the sidelines of a sporting event or supporting them through life's many adventures, she was always there, encouraging, loving, and cheering them on.

Janet had an impressive and varied career throughout her life. She spent 36 years working at the family business, Snyders Style Shop, on the square in Kirksville. It was there that her lifelong love of shopping began! Her career later took her to Bonwit Teller & Co. on the Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri. She also worked as a real estate agent for Wayman Realty and Mike Early Land and Real Estate, where she additionally worked as an insurance agent. Her love of travel led her to International Tours, and she later pursued her passion for skincare as an esthetician. Before retiring, she enjoyed working as a travel agent for CapeAir.

Janet was never one to sit still for long. She was active in community theater, treasured her involvement with the Art Society, and was a talented artist who created beautiful paintings. She was a member of PEO, the Blueberries, and the Red Hat Society, as well as First Methodist Church. She found joy in being involved, making connections, and sharing experiences with others.

Above all, Janet loved people. She cherished her friendships, treasured her family, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She had a way of making people feel welcome and loved. Her smile was always close by, and her infectious laugh could brighten any room. She enjoyed life, appreciated the people in it, and never lost her enthusiasm for making memories.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Dorothy Snyder, and her sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Mike Early.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Brenda Hunter (Eric Myers) and Brent Franklin; her grandchildren, Tiffany (Cameron) Scafe, Zachary (Alyssha) Hunter, Shelby (Austin) Gregory, and Brooke Franklin; and her great-grandchildren, Logan and Lane Holden, Austyn Hunter, Hunter Cox, Paige Cox, Reagan Hunter, Merci Hunter, Nora Gregory, Emmett Gregory, Suraya Hussaini, and Phoenix Lamb.

Also left to cherish her memory are her beloved niece and nephew, Kelley (Robert) Christian and Shawn (Veronica) Early, whom she loved as her own children, along with several great-nieces and great-nephews and her many cherished cousins.

Family meant everything to Janet. She took great pride in the lives of those she loved and found her greatest happiness in the time spent together. Her friendships were treasured, her generosity knew no bounds, and her love extended far beyond her immediate family.

Janet will be remembered for her beautiful smile, infectious laughter, love of shopping, artistic spirit, adventurous heart, and, most of all, the unconditional love she gave to her family and friends.

She leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, friendships, and memories that will be carried forward by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Though she will be deeply missed, the joy she brought into the lives of others will never be forgotten.

She loved deeply, laughed often, showed up for the people she loved, and made life a little brighter for everyone around her. That is the legacy Janet leaves behind.

Celebration of Life

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Janet's life and share memories of a woman who meant so much to so many.

Saturday, November 7, 2026, 4:00 p.m. El Kadir Shrine Club Kirksville, Missouri