Janice "Jan" Jaquith Douglas

Janice Jaquith Douglas

Jan was born June 13, 1938, in Topeka, KS to Lucille and Roy Jaquith. She was educated in Topeka schools (Randolph, Boswell and Topeka High). She received degrees from Washburn University in History, Political Science and Religious Studies and an MA from Kansas University graduating "magna cum laude".

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Bernard and Terry Jaquith, daughter Doireann Douglas and husband of 29 years, Bob Douglas. She was also preceded in death by two husbands, Brad Miller and Stan Simon. Her surviving son, Robert Scott Douglas, resides in Sedona, AZ. She is currently married to Thomas Leucht of Topeka.

Jan and Bob owned Douglas Construction in which they built the Kansas Historical Museum, many schools and office buildings around the state and an addition to the water works here in Topeka. They also were partners in Bettis Asphalt, Royal Construction, Concrete Pumping Inc. of Kansas City, as well as numerous other small businesses they financed and facilitated.

She and Bob loved traveling (seeing a great deal of the world) and sailing (having a 36 ft. motorsailer in Florida). After Bob's death she closed Douglas Construction and divorced herself from all other companies. Jan then went to Kansas University and received a Masters Degree in Religious Studies and Ethics. She then taught at Washburn University until retiring in 2001.

She was a member of Grace Cathedral where she taught adult education, served on the vestry, spent an extra year as Junior Warden and set up a campaign to address the damage to the Cathedral caused by the 1975 fire. She started a prayer shawl ministry, visited shut-ins, delivered altar flowers to the sick and shut-ins. She and Tom were also "Greeters".

Jan was a member of the Chapter GJ of PEO serving two years as president and multiple years as chaplain. She was the first woman to serve as a member of the Board of Associated General Contractors of Kansas. She served as President of Let's Help where she initiated programs for weatherproofing homes for the poor and reading to those who were served lunch. She co-chaired the fundraising for the YWCA building along with Joan Wagon and John Stauffer. In 1974, she was honored as Topeka Woman of the Year.

Jan was a charter member of ABWA Career Chapter, a member of The Golden City Forum and the League of Woman Voters. She was delighted to be part of Girl Scout Troop 82. The eighteen girls were together from 2nd grade through high school. They still get together for lunch every five years at the Topeka High School reunion.

Jan served on the board of Family Services and Midland Hospice where she chaired the fundraising for the Hospice House. In 1990, she was presented the Paul Harris Award by the West Side Rotary Club.

Jan was a certified Laubach Literacy teacher and taught English to foreign born adults who never had a chance to learn to read. She took one person through the naturalization process. She also taught the Junior Great Books Series to 5th and 6th graders.

She served on the Topeka Chamber of Commerce and was appointed Vice President in 1984. While on the board she facilitated "Topeka's Against Crime" and organized the first recognition dinner for all Law Enforcement personnel.

She later attended adult education classes at Washburn University and the University of Colorado while she and Tom lived in Colorado Springs.

In the mid 1950's, she and two other women started a spiritual support group which eventually grew to seven women who referred to themselves as "Sisters in Spirit" (SIS).

Jan loved to take the grandchildren on "road trips", drive to California for soccer tournaments or just hang with them. She had a passion for knitting, needle point and quilting. Every grandchild and great grandchild received a quilt made by her hands.

She and Tom lived in Colorado for ten years where they sat on the board of Pike's Peak Opera League and chaired the "Art in the Garden" fundraiser for the league. They were members of the Chapel of Our Savior Episcopal Church where Jan taught adult education.

Jan took great delight in serving others and bringing a little joy and dignity to others.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Grace Cathedral, 701 8th Street, Topeka, KS 66603.

Memorials can be sent to Grace Episcopal Church (same address) for the music program or Midland Hospice, 200 S.W. Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.