Janice Eileen Padgitt

Janice Eileen (McDowell) Padgitt, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 14, 2026, at her home in Maryville, Missouri, surrounded by her family. Born January 31, 1942, in Osceola, Iowa, Janice lived a life marked by love, dedication, and service to her family and community.

Janice was the daughter of Matthew Wayne McDowell and Merna Dean (Overholtzer) McDowell. She graduated as valedictorian of Leon High School in Leon, Iowa in 1959 and then attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville where she met Dennis Darryl Padgitt. They married on July 23, 1961, in Grand River, Iowa, and shared 65 years together.

While living in Columbia, Missouri, Janice and Dennis welcomed their daughter, Denise. After Dennis completed his doctorate in agriculture, the family returned to Maryville and welcomed their son, Doug, to the family. Janice resumed her education at NWMSU, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Business Administration.

In 1979, Janice began teaching at the business school at NWMSU. Her intelligence and entrepreneurial spirit led her to the securities industry. In 1982, she joined A.G. Edwards & Sons as a financial advisor in St. Joseph, Missouri. Wanting to work closer to home, she joined Edward Jones in Maryville in 1984 and remained there until her retirement in 2006.

Beyond her professional achievements, Janice was a member of First United Methodist Church of Maryville and of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter HT. She enjoyed golfing at the Maryville Country Club and traveling the world with Dennis. She loved cooking, baking, decorating, and creating a warm and welcoming home. She was deeply involved in her children’s activities and treasured time with her family, embracing her role as a “professional grandmother.”

Janice was preceded in death by her parents; her parents-in-law, Charles Burbin and Viola (Asman) Padgitt; her sister, Marla (McDowell) West; and her brother, Frank McDowell. She is survived by her husband, Dennis; daughter, Denise (Jim) Easley of Leawood, Kansas; son, Doug (Janette) Padgitt of Maryville; and grandchildren, Brandon Easley, Brett Easley, and Lauren Padgitt, who were the light of her life.

A memorial service celebrating Janice’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 102 North Main Street, Maryville. A reception will follow in the church’s Gathering Space. A private family inurnment will take place at Nodaway Memorial Gardens at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Bram Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to First United Methodist Church of Maryville or Mosaic Hospice.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Roxy, Toni, Sara, Brittany, and the team at Mosaic Hospice for their compassionate care when it was needed most.

Janice will be remembered for her warmth, wisdom, generosity, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy will continue in the lives of all who knew and loved her.