God made Jan exceptional. When she was born, God whispered in her ear, “Little daughter, I am giving you a beautiful soul,” and to that she responded with a childlike faith so deep, so innocent, and so pure as to be considered one of the greatest in the Kingdom of God. We know that Jan is with Jesus now because Heaven is promised to those who come to Him bearing nothing but the countenance of a child.
Jan had a beautiful smile, sparkling eyes, and an infectious laugh that made everyone walk a little lighter and see life through a brighter lens. She was born on a farm outside of Chanute, on Aug. 4, 1945. She was the youngest child and a beloved daughter of Nathan and Eula Hole. Jan was one of 11 children in a lively and fun family. When Jan arrived, her siblings were older, but she enjoyed her nieces’ and nephews’ company immensely and loved playing cards and other games with them.
Jan spent her earliest years living on the farm with her mom and dad, and her later years at Tri-Valley Developmental Services, where she participated in a variety of activities helping the other residents. Jan was a lifelong sports fan and competed in the Special Olympics. She won several medals in various track and field events. She departed this earthly life after 80 years on Oct. 24, 2025. Jesus greeted her, saying, “My little sister, you have run the race well.”
Jan was also met by family who preceded her in death: her parents, Nathan and Eula Hole; her brothers, Xury Hole and Charles Hole; and her sisters, Anna Fegel, Ruth Russell, Jean Wilson, Darlene Hole, Colleen Westendorf, and Ivah Byers. Jan is survived by her brothers Lester (Kay) Hole of Wichita, and Earl Wayne (Marie) Hole of Lake Winnebago, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Valeta Hole of Andover, and Beverly Hole of Chanute; numerous nieces and nephews who loved sending her cards, puzzles, and books.
A service celebrating Jan’s life will be held at the First Christian Church in Chanute at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 31. The Reverend Tom Eastman will officiate. The family will receive visitors at the church at 10:30 a.m. on the day of the service. A brief graveside internment will take place at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute following the service.
In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, please consider donating to the Special Olympics Kansas. Donations can be made in Jan’s memory online at www.soks.org/individual- giving/. Checks can be sent to 5280 Foxridge Drive, Mission, KS, 66202, or you can leave a check at Jan’s service; those funds will then be mailed to Special Olympics Kansas. Arrangements have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home.
