Jan Kay OsbornHoward, KS

Janice “Jan” Kay Osborn, 69, of Howard, Kansas, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, in Eureka, KS.

Born May 2, 1955, in Kansas City, Kansas, to John and Betty (Sweaney) Layton, Jan’s early life was marked by the adventures of a family that moved frequently due to her father’s work with the Santa Fe Railroad. She attended first grade in Virgil, Kansas, before settling in Howard, Kansas, where she graduated from North Elk High School in the class of 1973. Following high school, she attended Independence Community College for a semester.

Jan’s life was enriched by love and family. She was married to David Blex, and later to Steve Gerkin, with whom she shared many years and lovingly raised his son, Joe Gerkin, as her own. Following Steve’s passing in 2000, Jan married Jim Osborn, who predeceased her in 2008. In recent years, she found companionship with her boyfriend, Bill Divine.

Jan’s professional career included several years at ACC in Independence, Kansas, where she worked building motor solenoids. She and Steve also owned and operated the S & J Cafe in Howard, Kansas, for many years. Outside of work, Jan’s spirit was vibrant and playful. She enjoyed the excitement of casinos, the camaraderie of dining out and beverages with friends, and cherished time spent fishing and vacationing in Branson, Missouri.

Jan is survived by her sister, Peggy (Lee) Juaire of Severy, Kansas; nephew, Cody Juaire of Howard, Kansas; aunt, Shirley Brown of Cedar Vale, Kansas; and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Betty Layton, her husbands, Steve Gerkin and Jim Osborn, and step-son Joe Gerkin.

Jan’s warm heart, infectious laugh, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She will be remembered for her kindness, her resilience, and her zest for life.

A celebration of Jan’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, KS

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and can be mailed to or left with the funeral home.

Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, PO Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349