Janet Staats

Janet K. Staats, 79, of Highlands Ranch, CO, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2022 from Parkinson’s.

Janet was born on June 4, 1943 to Herbert G. Schlechter and Mae Irene Kerr in Denver, CO. After Janet graduated from Borah High School ‘61 in Boise, Idaho, she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Willamette University ‘65 and received her master’s from the University of Northern Colorado in 1991.

After graduating with a degree in sociology, she started her career with the Girl Scouts of Colorado. An accomplished musician she performed professionally with four symphony orchestras and taught piano for many years. After receiving her master’s degree, she provided nearly 20 years of dedicated service as a teacher in the Cherry Creek school district, specializing in special education.

In 1963, Janet met Willard Staats in Denver taking a college summer school course. They married in March of 1966 and went on to have four children and seven grandchildren. Janet and Willard shared a love of adventure and traveling, having visited more than 60 countries worldwide as well as the majority of the continental United States together. Janet was both a talented artist and musician, playing more than 10 instruments including piano, bassoon, saxophone and accordion. Always active in her local church, she served as an organist, accompanist and children’s choir director throughout the years. She also enjoyed fellowship through several of the social organizations at Hope United Methodist Church. Janet loved reading, painting, needlepoint, knitting and sewing. Her numerous handmade quilts will be loved by generations to come.

She was predeceased by her parents Herbert and Mae Schlechter.

She is survived by her loving husband Willard Staats, four children, Cynthia Staats, Pasadena, CA, Bradley Staats (Lacey) Littleton, CO, David Staats, Los Gatos, CA, Angela Osborne (Nathan) Centennial, CO and seven grandchildren, Aubs, Charlotte, Van, Anastacia, Beau, Leo and Lennon.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hope United Methodist church, 5101 S. Dayton St. Greenwood Village, CO 80111 on October 22 at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.