Janice Marie Vinyard

In Loving Memory of Jan Vinyard
June 17, 1941 – May 20, 2025

Janice Marie Gillespie Vinyard—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend—passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025. Born in Macon County, Missouri, on June 17, 1941, Jan was the eldest of three daughters born to Vera Louise Neal and Earl Howard Gillespie.

On July 30, 1961, she married the love of her life, Wayne Earl Vinyard. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with family, purpose and an enduring partnership that spanned over six decades. As co-owners of Longview Gardens, a greenhouse and tree nursery in the Kansas City area, Jan and Wayne nurtured not only plants but a community. Jan’s passion for gardening and eye for design made her a trailblazer in landscape design—one of the first women in Kansas City to leave a creative mark on homes and gardens across the region. She was a master gardener and the proud author of the Longview Gardens annual sales catalog, writing it with precision and scientific flair.

Jan had a rare ability to turn everyday moments into something extraordinary—whether through the warmth of homemade cookies, the beauty of a blooming garden, the craftsmanship of a handmade quilt, or the quiet strength she brought to her family. She was a devoted and deeply loving presence in the lives of her children: Ruth Oben (Richard), Rayma Vinyard-Jacoby, and Sarah Eubank (Mark); her grandchildren: Craig Eubank (Brianna), Jessie Miller (Ben), Rachel Fossey, Simone Jacoby, and Pierce Jacoby; and great-grandchildren: Elijah Eubank, Finley Eubank, and Cora Miller. Jan shared a lifelong bond with her sisters and their families, Donna Koch (Jerry), who preceded her in death, Sharon Foltz (Steve); sisters-in-law Lois Belser (the late Ron), Nina Fricke (John) and brother-in-law Dale Vinyard (Marge).

An active and devoted member of her church, Jan shared her faith by teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and was a passionate advocate for mission work, always seeking ways to serve others both near and far. She mentored and inspired many students when substitute teaching at Pleasant Lea Jr. High in Lee’s Summit, sharing her love of biology. Jan was a proud member of the Prairie Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and served as Parliamentarian for many years. Through this role, she advocated for veterans, championed education, and worked to preserve the stories of the past for generations to come.

Jan Vinyard lived a rich and full life with grace, strength, faith and unwavering love. Her legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a bright light whose warmth touched all who knew her. The family would like to thank Jan’s care team at the KU Cancer Center in Lee’s Summit for the exceptional care she received and the staff at Lee’s Summit Medical Center for easing her journey.

If desired, contributions may be made in Jan’s honor to Show-Me Christian Youth Home, P.O. Box 6, 24302 Mahin Rd, La Monte, MO 65337. Jan and Wayne have been longtime supporters of this organization, reflecting their deep commitment to helping children in need.

A celebration of Jan’s life will be held June 21st from 2:00-4:00 pm at Lee’s Summit Community Church, 1440 SW Jefferson Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081, where stories will be shared, gardens remembered, and love honored.