Janet Sue (Bird) Kaba-Moss, 79, of Hoxie, Kansas, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2024, following a brief illness. Janet was born on May 15, 1945, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to John E. and Norma Jean (Hornbeck) Bird.
After graduating from Plainville High School, Janet attended Fort Hays State University for one year. She later settled in Hoxie, where she devoted 35 years as the beloved school secretary of Hoxie High School, making a lasting impact on generations of students.
On October 3, 1964, Janet married Kenneth Kaba at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville, Kansas. Together, they had two sons, Douglas Paul and Steven Frederick. In 2002, two years after Ken’s passing, Janet was blessed to reconnect with her daughter, Wilinda Shaffer-Harmon, shortly thereafter. This reunion became a source of immense joy, and Wilinda and her family were a treasured part of Janet’s life ever since.
In 2005, Janet married Archie Moss at The First Christian Church in Hoxie. They shared eight wonderful years together, enjoying dinners, movies, and card games with dear friends, before Archie’s passing in October 2013.
In her later years, Janet found companionship and joy in spending time with her friend Doug Cass. They enjoyed trying new restaurants and playing cards with friends.
Janet’s life was defined by her kind and nurturing spirit. She had a deep sense of care for those around her, whether it was supporting students during her years at Hoxie High School or lovingly caring for her family, including Archie, her father, John, and her brother, Jerry, during their final years. She was always ready to help anyone in need.
Janet is survived by her three children: Doug (Templeton, CA), Steve (Topeka, KS), and Wilinda (Greg) Shaffer-Harmon (Fairview, OK). She also leaves behind her stepchildren: Rick Moss, Don Moss, Shelia (Moss) Krannawitter, and Pam (Moss) Erwin. Janet was deeply proud of her grandchildren: Eric Schmidt, Brendan Schmidt, Cale Harmon, Taylor Kaba (Kailee), Clayton Kaba (Sophie), Kami Kaba, Rhys Kaba, as well as her great-grandchildren, Addison and Rowan, who held a special place in her heart. Janet is also survived by her sister, Connie (Jim), Nephew Chad (Candi) Teichman, great nephew Trent Teichman.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ken; her second husband, Archie; her parents, John and Norma Jean Bird; her brother, Jerry Bird and niece Leaa Teichman Shaffer.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mickey Leopold Funeral Home in Hoxie, with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will take place on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at The First Christian Church in Hoxie, followed by lunch. Graveside services and burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Plainville Cemetery, with a gathering to follow at The VFW in Plainville.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Hoxie High School. Memorials may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740.
Janet’s kindness, dedication, and love for her family and community will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.