Janet Sue (Borden) Guyer

Janet Sue (Borden) Guyer peacefully departed this Earth in her sleep at her apartment-home at Heritage House in Independence, Missouri, on October 29, 2026. In a bittersweet coincidence, Janet passed away on her 69th birthday. She was born to Robert and Geraldine Borden on October 29, 1957, in Kansas City, Missouri. Janet was the third of four children born to Robert and Geraldine. She was preceded in death by both of her parents and her beloved sister, Nancy June.

Janet was a devoted mother to Jamie Sue and John Jr. (wife Amanda); a proud Grandma to Caleb (wife Keely), Jaxon, and Alexis; and a loving Great-Grandma to baby Romeo. She was also a cherished sister to Johnny (wife JoAnn) and Dianne (husband Kenton) and is now reunited with her sister Nancy. She leaves behind her beloved nieces Lynnetta, Christy, Amy Lynn, Harmony, Melody & Elise, along with their families and children, who knew and loved her as “Aunt Janet.” She also leaves behind countless friends and extended family members whose lives she touched along the way.

Janet’s family, however, was never limited to those connected by blood. She seemed to never meet a stranger and became “Mom,” “Sister,” and “Aunt Janet” to so many people she encountered. Whether through her church, her home at Heritage House, or the preschools where she lovingly poured herself into the children she cared for, Janet had a special way of making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved.
If you knew Janet, you likely knew her laugh. She absolutely LOVED to laugh and make others laugh. She was always ready with an encouraging word, an inspirational quote, a joke, or a story to share. She genuinely adored talking to people and getting to know them. In recent years, she shared that she had come to realize that talking to people and learning their stories was one of the ways she learned more about the world. She was intentional about maintaining relationships and making people feel remembered. Her ability to connect with others was a gift, and she leaves behind a remarkable collection of friendships and relationships that span generations.

Janet’s faith in Jesus Christ was her saving grace, carrying her through some of life’s most difficult seasons. She often found comfort and strength in Scripture, sharing Bible verses and inspirational words with those around her. The peace of knowing that her eternal home awaited her in Heaven was a source of comfort throughout her life.

Janet spent many years working with young children, most notably at Englewood Christian School’s preschool in Independence, Missouri. She also worked at other preschools and provided childcare in her own home when her children were young. Her love for children and her natural gift for nurturing others was evident throughout her life. Her desire to serve extended far beyond her family and workplace. Janet had a generous heart and a deep commitment to helping others, freely giving her time, talents, and whatever resources she could spare to causes and people in need. It didn’t matter whether she learned of a need through a charitable organization or simply through a friend sharing someone’s circumstances; she would find a way to help. Even when she had very little herself, she never hesitated to give what she
could. She lovingly sewed tiny pillows for sick children at Children’s Mercy Hospital and generously donated her time and resources while serving at Englewood Church’s Dream Center, providing food, clothing, and other assistance to members of the community. She also
spent time reaching out to and serving her unhoused neighbors, offering friendship, compassion, and kindness to those who needed it. Janet’s generosity was never measured by how much she had, but by how much she cared.

And, of course, there was her beloved Kansas City Chiefs! Janet was a devoted and enthusiastic Chiefs fan, rarely missing an opportunity to show her team spirit in one of her many Chiefs shirts or jerseys. Her dedication went well beyond wearing the colors: since 2018, she meticulously handwrote and kept track of the scores of every Chiefs game. Her love for her team was just one more thing that made her uniquely Janet.

Janet’s life was a testament to the power of faith, kindness, laughter, and putting others before yourself. She maintained relationships with diligence, loved people wholeheartedly, and found ways to make others feel like family. She was deeply loved by so many, and the number of lives made better by knowing her is a testament to the beautiful person she was.

Her earthly journey is complete, and she is finally home. Her family and friends find comfort in knowing that her faith has become sight, her earthly struggles are over, and she is at peace in the presence of Jesus. Though she will be missed beyond words, the love she gave and the countless lives she touched will carry her memory forward for generations.

A Celebration of Janet’s Life will be held Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 3-5pm, at Courageous Life Church, 17310 E. US Highway 40, Independence, MO, 64055. Attendees are encouraged to wear KC Chiefs gear in honor of Janet’s love of the team.