Jeanette I. Hiatt

Jeanette Ione Hiatt, age 89, of Osawatomie, Kansas, formerly of Garnett, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Homestead Assisted Living of Osawatomie.

Jeanette was born on October 27, 1936, at their family farm outside of Garnett. Jeanette and her twin brother, Jim Lankard, were born the third youngest out of 11 kids. Jeanette and Jim both weighed 4 pounds and were right on time. They were born to Jasper and Minnie (Milliman) Lankard. The other siblings were Leonard, Gene, Dick, Bob, Ruth, Bill, Don, Jeanette and Jim, Mary, and Sam. Jim is the only sibling still living.

Jeanette grew up on the farm and told many stories of her childhood. In her words, "I was very ornery and would bite while cutting teeth. I would bite my twin brother and he would faint." She also reported she began smoking at around age five. She would "find" cigarettes and hide while she smoked. Mom also voiced that she was not shy growing up.

Mom loved school and attended Oak Grove, which was a one-room schoolhouse. She was 4 years old when she started school. Jeanette told a story about her teacher Gladys. "I didn't like her and she didn't like me." The teacher bent over to help another student and her butt was in Mom's face. That's when Mom put an X on the teacher's butt with chalk. The teacher was wearing a black skirt. Another memory Mom shared of school was when she put a snake on the desk drawer of her teacher Dorothy. "I liked her." When the teacher opened the drawer, she fainted and fell back into the wall. Once she gained composure, she called Mom to the front of class and spanked her. "She didn't even ask me if I did it, I did." When Jeanette was 12, she attended Garnett High School, but only for a short time. At age 13, she had to return to chores on the farm instead of school. This was due to her siblings joining the armed forces. Jeanette always regretted not having a diploma. At age 36, she was able to formally graduate with a GED.

Jeanette lived on the farm for many years helping with the chores. She was able to find a waitress job in town. She enjoyed going to town and of course talking with people. In the late '50s, Jeanette became a projectionist at the People's Theater. Jeanette was proud of her position and formed a lifelong relationship with the owner, Erma Doering. While working as a projectionist, she met Kelly Hiatt in 1963. This meeting formed a relationship which led to marriage in 1964. They traveled to Oklahoma September 11, 1964, and were married 52 years before Kelly passed away December 3, 2016.

They had many years of good times, misbehavior, and annoying the hell out of each other. They were hard workers, and their hobbies were gardening, canning, hunting, traveling, and attending kids' and grandkids' activities. Digging root was one of their hobbies. They would dig all day, then let it dry and travel to Oklahoma to sell it. They picked up walnuts, made wooden swinging dolls, and cut cedars from pastures. Jeanette was always scheming ways to make a buck. There was one time when they found a dead deer with a rack on the side of the road. As they were attempting to saw off the antlers, a sheriff came by and asked if they needed help. That is when they found out it was illegal to dehorn a deer without a license or a tag. After Dad passed away, Mom became the casino queen, always going to win big. However, that didn't always happen, but she did find joy and excitement on her casino adventures.

Jeanette was a proud lifelong member of the VFW Women's Auxiliary.

Jeanette's health began to decline, and that is when she moved into an assisted living facility in Osawatomie. Jeanette lived there from 2022 until her passing. For five summers she was able to share her shenanigans and outgoing personality, which got her in trouble on a daily basis. Jeanette touched many lives while living in Osawatomie.

She also had endearing names for most of the staff as well as residents. Some names were not nice! There was Blondie, Matilda, Dumb Ass, Good Ole Girl, stinky boss lady, shithead, curly-headed nurse, as well as many that should not be repeated. Jeanette had extended family while living in Osawatomie. She was truly loved by many. Sheila was her everything. If Sheila did not give her the attention that Mom thought she should, then she would make an escape on her scooter and see how far she could go before Sheila caught up to her. If Jeanette could get her hands on a water gun, all hell broke loose. Everyone, including Jeanette, ended up drenched. Somehow it was never her fault.

On Monday the 27th, Sheila stayed with Mom while I took Zoey school shopping. We kept in touch and Zoey was very concerned. We cut our trip short, and Zoey said she wanted to see Old Nana. Later in the evening, Kelecey and Zoey came to visit. Zoey got in bed with Old Nana and gave her numerous Eskimo kisses that were kind of aggressive. After laughing at each other, Mom called Zoey a "heifer," which caused more laughter. Zoey kissed Old Nana on the cheek and told her she loved her, then got on her knees and said a silent prayer. Monday was the last day Mom was able to communicate.

At the end of her life's journey, Mom finally knew how to love and also how to accept love and affection. She was able to tell me how much she had always loved me, and Mo, and the kids. Mom held my hand, and we quietly listened to the music. This was a very special moment. I then knew that my mom had always loved me and she knew that I loved her. She was at peace!

She leaves behind a daughter, Coleen (Mike) Medina; granddaughter, Kelccey (Dylan) Manchester; grandson, Kody (Toi) Medina; 3 great-grandbabies (age 9, Henry 7, and Bodhi); 1 brother, Jim Lankard; many nieces and nephews; as well as some very special friends that were her family: Sheila, Madison, Alexey, Hadley, Vanessa, Ashley, Bristol, Jenna, Chrissy, Mackinly, Norma, Megan, and Josh.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, Garnett. Jeanette's family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday evening at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and may be made left in the care of the funeral home. Condolences for the family can be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.