Jeanette M. Hendrix

Jeanette M. Hendrix passed away on January 27, 2024 at the age of 57. Her death came suddenly and without warning. Although we will grieve her loss forever, we take comfort in the fact that she left this world exactly as she intended, quick and in her sleep. In true Jeanette fashion, she always did things her own way. We also know that she received a hearty reception from the many family members who have passed before her, and know she is in the warm embrace of her parents and brothers now. To know Jeanette was to love her. No one could resist her infectious laugh, bright smile, and her spunky personality. Through her time working at her family’s diner JT’s, Loretta’s, the Unified Government as a court clerk, and at Risk Strategies, she garnered many close friends who became family, and a reputation for her congeniality and candor. She never hesitated to let you know what she thought, yet when delivered with a wink and a giggle you knew it came from a place of love. Her greatest pleasure in life came from her unconditional love and devotion to her family. As the oldest sister, the family looked to Jeanette to take on the role of matriarch after her mother passed; a role which she took on happily. It was not uncommon for the family to gather in her home packed to the brim with people and baked goods, and you could always anticipate some loving nudges from Jeanette to make a plate before you left. Her greatest pride was her children and grandchildren. Jeanette worked tirelessly to ensure that her son Jason received the very best education and opportunities. It was her great joy to watch him on the football field in both high school and college, graduate from Benedictine College, and to begin his own family with his longtime girlfriend Chelsea, and their dogs. Likewise, she was a devoted mother to her stepdaughter Kirsten, and her many grandchildren. She loved nothing more than to dote on her grandbabies, frequently hunting down toys and gifts on her weekly shopping trips to spoil them with on her trips down to Lucas. She shared this wonderfully full life with her partner in crime, Keith Colombel, her husband of 27 years. Lovingly described as the perfect match, the couple shared their own language of love which included many playful jests and lots of laughter. Together they enjoyed traveling to the lake, riding their motorcycles, and spending time together at home with their dogs. Wherever they were and whatever they were doing, they took great joy just from being in each other’s company. A beloved wife, mom, step-mom, mother-in-law, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, cousin, sister-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandma, and best friend… Jeanette will be sorely missed by so many. She was the light of our world and the glue of the family. We will struggle to cope with the huge hole she has left for the rest of our lives. She is preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Carol Hendrix, and her brothers Kenny, Gary, Kevin and Derek Hendrix. She is survived by her husband, Keith Colombel; son, Jason Hendrix (Chelsea Millar); daughter, Kirsten Colombel (Francis Denning); brothers Travis and Chad Hendrix; sister, Jackie Hogsett; and grandchildren, Tucker Denning, Tayleigh Denning, Tanner Denning, Tynlie Denning, Delany McCollum, Cash McCollum, and Chloey McCollum. The family is a planning a memorial visitation to celebrate her life from 2-3pm on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Maple Hill Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service at 3 pm. The family also invites those who wish to continue in the fellowship and memory sharing in a reception to follow at the Merriam Community Center- Campbell Room (6040 Slater St, Merriam, KS 66202) from 4:00-5:30. If you would like to contribute light snacks and beverages for the reception, please sign up on the google sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Go5GXucVnQQ-KCMgstC-AZqbsDNdFmmgMV89px2Oqz4/edit?usp=sharing. Our family is appreciative of any support you can provide. Please text Chelsea Millar, 913-787-2263, for updates or questions.

Tributes

Jeanette M. Hendrix

September 19, 1966 - January 27, 2024