Mary Jane Hayes Trotter, 87 years old, passed away January 6, 2013, surrounded by her loving family. Janie was born on September 2, 1925, in Atchison, Kansas, the daughter of William Burke Hayes and Hilda Boos Hayes and sister to Ruthanna Danaher, Jack Hayes, and Geraldine McKelvy.

The family will gather with friends on Thursday evening, January 10, 2013 at   7:00 p.m. to pray the rosary at Arensberg Pruett Funeral Home, 208 North 5th Street in downtown Atchison, KS. Following the rosary the family will greet friends and share memories. Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 11, 2013, at St. Benedict’s Church, 1001 North 2nd Street, Atchison, KS 66002. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Maur Hill – Mount Academy, St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, or St. Benedict’s Abbey, Atchison, KS. Online condolences may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.
 

Janie was a proud native Kansan. She grew up in Atchison, attended St. Benedict’s Catholic grade school, Mount St. Scholastica Academy, and graduated from Kansas University, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

 
In 1951, Janie married Harry Darby Trotter, and they shared a wonderful 50 years of marriage before he preceded her in death in 2001. In addition to raising their nine children Janie and Darby developed many great and loyal friends who helped fill their married years with laughter and joy. Janie enjoyed music, singing, fashion and decorated with flair. She cherished her late night visits and friendships with her nieces and outings with friends for a fun shopping trip, a good meal or a trip to an ice cream shop. However, Janie’s number one interest was her family. She had a strong faith rooted in the Catholic Church, which she worked hard to instill in her children and grandchildren. Visits with Grammy were the best of adventures, full of fun, and lots of laughs. Every event she attended on behalf of her grandchildren and great grandchildren was improved by Grammy’s smiling face. She adored her family and friends and was loved in return. She knew when to take life seriously and when to have fun. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her spirit will live on through our shared stories and laughter.
 

Of all the people who will miss Janie, none will miss her more than her nine children. She was a great mom, confidante and friend to them. Janie is survived by her son, Dr. Harry Darby Trotter Jr. and his wife Barbara, their children Holly Neber, Tucker Trotter and Tonia Brubeck; her daughter Nancy Jaenicke and son Michael Boulware; her son Bill Trotter and his wife Kris, their children Clint Trotter, Travis Trotter and Blake Trotter; her son Jim Trotter and his wife Patty, their children Kyle Hill and Taylor Hill; her son Chuck Trotter and his son Harry; her son Chet Trotter and his wife Sherri, their children Andrew Trotter and Nick Trotter; her daughter Mary Wooldridge and her husband Alex, their children Darby Wooldridge and Caroline Wooldridge; her daughter Florence Wise and her husband Bob, their children Katie Wise, Olivia Wise and Austin Wise; and her son Jack Trotter and his wife Robin, and their children Derrick Trotter and Nate Trotter; and fifteen great grandchildren.

 
Please honor Janie by doing something special with a group of friends…and dote on your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. These are the qualities that she possessed and what the world needs more of. Janie was adamant that friends and family celebrate her life and all the fun times that were shared with her. Cheers!