Janet Kay Banaka, 67, of Netawaka, KS passed away Monday, September 7, 2015 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka after a year-long illness. Janet was surrounded by family and friends. She was born October 20, 1947 in Holton, KS, the daughter of Ralph E. and Viola Pearl (Miller) Sharp.

Janet graduated from Holton High School in 1965. She worked at Taste Freez in Holton, she did clerical work for Santa Fe Hospital in Topeka and worked for Featherston’s Dog Kennel in Netawaka. Janet was also a supervisor in housekeeping for Sac N Fox Casino and a homemaker.

Janet enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren, gardening and spending time with her goldfish pond.

 She married James L. Banaka on April 30, 1966 in Holton. He survives of the home. Other survivors include her son, James Bradley “Brad” Banaka (Jenny) of Topeka, KS; 3 daughters, Janelle D. Bell (Brad) of Trenton , TX, Jerri L. Denton (Brad) of Jefferson City, MO and Julie A. Shook (Zane) of Olathe, KS; 2 brothers, Jerry Sharp (Marcella) of Holton, KS and Jack Sharp (Joyce) of Topeka, KS; 8 grandchildren  and 1 great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Viola Sharp; a grandson, Logan Alan Denton in 2006 and a nephew, Dustin K. Sharp.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 11, 2015 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton with burial to follow in the Netawaka Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening. Memorials may be given to the Janet Banaka Memorial Fund to be designated at a later date c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.