Janet Wolf

Janet Marie Wolf, 83, of Colby, KS, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 24, 2024. Jan was born on June 17, 1941, in Colby, KS, to Frank and Marian (Strayer) Woofter.

Jan attended grade school and high school in Colby, where she demonstrated an early passion for music. She pursued higher education at the University of Northern Colorado, earning both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Vocal Performance. During her studies, she taught music classes as a graduate assistant and performed in various recitals.

In 1967, Jan moved to St. Francis to teach elementary music. She returned to her hometown in 1972 to teach in the Colby school district, where she remained until her retirement in 2000. Jan dedicated her life to music education, teaching K-12 music and offering private lessons in violin, viola, cello, and bass for over 30 years. Even after retiring from the school district, she continued teaching ear training classes at Colby Community College.

Jan married Neil Wolf on August 10, 1978. Together, they were known as “gatherers of kids,” opening their home to students, community members, and their many grandchildren. They were deeply involved in the Colby Swim Team and Colby Community College, where Neil managed the pool, and Jan taught music classes. In recognition of her contributions to the community and Colby Community College, she was selected to receive the 2016 Honorary Associate Degree.

Jan was a pillar of the community, volunteering for the Western Plains Arts and promoting community concerts. She also directed the United Methodist Church Chancel Choir for 30 years and played violin in the Pride of the Prairie Orchestra, later becoming its director. She played violin in a quartet and performed solos for weddings and funerals. In her later years, she spent much of her time volunteering at the church, helping wherever she was needed, including the weekly bulletin, vacation bible school, kids kits, answering the phone, and tending to the coffee and snacks for services.

Jan was particularly proud of the family farm - proud to own her own land, proud to grow wheat like her dad, and proud to keep that land in the family. She also enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing, baking, reading spy novels, doing crosswords, and completing puzzles.

As a cornerstone of her family, Jan’s home was filled with laughter and energy each holiday. The kitchen would be filled with the aroma of pies, like rhubarb, cherry, and pumpkin. She loved to provide a spread of biscotti, caramel turtles, and chocolate covered snacks. The kids would be shut away playing video games on the Super Nintendo in her bedroom, while the parents got to visit and watch the game in the living room. Her grandchildren will always remember mornings that started with the comfort of her homemade grandma bread and the smell of fresh Folgers. As Jan enjoyed games and puzzles, days at her house were spent playing gin-rummy, bridge, Boggle, and carroms (while being forced to listen to NPR and classical music). For friends and family alike, her house was a home for all and will forever hold endless memories.

Jan is survived by her siblings, MaryJo Boye, Don Woofter, and Leon Woofter; her children, Greg Wolf, Wendy Gallington, Rod Wolf, and Jill Fagen; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Marian Woofter; her brother, Jimmy Woofter; and her husband, Neil Wolf.

Jan will be remembered for her musical talents, dedication to her community, and undying love for her family. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the Colby United Methodist Church in Colby, KS. Memorials may be made to the CUMC Music Fund and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com