Janet Lillian Arnette, 83, of Orrick, formerly of Richmond, passed away Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at North Kansas City Hospital.

Janet was born on April 12, 1943, in Natick, MA, the daughter of Allan and Emma (Molinek) Ross. She was united in marriage to Gary Leigh Arnette of Monrovia, CA, on September 12, 1970; he preceded her in death on April 14, 2020.

Survivors include: four sons: Kevin Arnette of Lexington, Greg (Mark Bensky) Arnette of Truro, MA, James (Michele) Arnette of Haverhill, MA, and David (Carla) Arnette of Orrick; two granddaughters, Allison (Greg) Collier and Meg Arnette; brother, Allan (Joanne) Ross Medford, MA; and sister, Priscilla Parrish of Melbourne, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Janet was raised and educated in the area of her birth and graduated from Natick High School. A woman of exceptional intelligence, remarkable versatility, and a lifelong appreciation for knowledge, she continued her education at Simmons College in Boston, where she earned a degree in Chemistry and Mathematics, with a minor in Russian. Following college, Janet and a close friend ventured west, beginning a new chapter in her life that would lead her to meet Gary, the love of her life and her future husband.

Throughout her life, Janet was a woman of many talents, possessing an extraordinary range of skills, knowledge, and abilities. Following her marriage to Gary, the couple raised four sons, and Janet played an invaluable role in both their family and the businesses her husband owned and operated. She balanced the responsibilities of raising her children and maintaining a loving home while contributing her intelligence, resourcefulness, and many talents to the success of their business endeavors. Her ability to wear so many hats with grace and determination was a testament to her remarkable character. After many years of dedication and hard work, Janet retired in 2015 for the final time.

Beyond her devotion to her family and their businesses, Janet was a respected and active member of her community. Generous with both her time and resources, she supported numerous local organizations and causes, always recognizing the importance of giving back to the community she called home. She was a member of the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Richmond and was actively involved in the PTO. Janet was a woman of distinction, admired not only for her intelligence and accomplishments, but also for her elegance, generosity, and the grace with which she carried herself. She was a highly respected and cherished presence in her community, leaving a lasting impression on the many lives she touched. A truly remarkable lady, Janet will be remembered for her wisdom, her many talents, her unwavering dedication to those she loved, and the quiet elegance that defined her life.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Tunnels into Towers or Guiding Eyes. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with memorial services will be held and announced at a later date. Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements. Please remember to share your memories of Janet with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.