Janet Wampler

(From Knell Mortuary)

Janet Kay Wampler, 78, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away on July 9, 2026, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Missouri. Janet was born on February 25, 1948, in Carthage, Missouri, the daughter of the late Louis “Bud” Wecker and Irma Lea (Burkey) Wecker.

She was a 1966 graduate of Carthage High School and carried the values of her hometown with her throughout her life. Janet was known by those who loved her as a loving, friendly, and faith-filled woman whose presence brought comfort and warmth to everyone around her. Janet married Charles Keith Wampler on June 29, 1968 in Carthage, Missouri; he preceded her in death on April 13, 2006.

She worked as a secretary, where her dependable nature and kind spirit were evident in all she did. After working as a secretary, she became a stay-at-home mom and worked cleaning houses. Janet approached her work with quiet dedication and a strong sense of responsibility. Faith was central to Janet’s life. She was a member of Bible Baptist Church in Carthage, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and worked in the nursery. Her church family was an important part of her life. Janet’s faith was not only spoken but lived, and it was evident in the way she treated others with kindness, patience, and compassion.

Janet especially cherished her family and found great joy in being present for the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She didn’t miss a single ball game, concert, or event of her children’s growing up. She was our biggest fan. She also loved attending any events of her grandchildren’s she could make. Whether cheering from the sidelines or sitting outside in her swing watching her grandkids play in the yard, she treasured those moments deeply. Her family knew her as a constant source of encouragement, love, and support, and her devotion to them was one of the defining blessings of her life.

She is survived by her children, Trisha Edmonson (Clay), Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Chet Wampler (Jennifer), Joplin, Missouri; her daughter-in-law, Holly Wampler Perrin; her grandchildren, Maggie Adcock (Noah), Carson Wampler, Lyla Wampler, Ashton Welch (Alexander May), Kaylee Edmonson, Kyle Edmonson (Abby), Taylor Edmonson, Isaiah Edmonson, Isaac Wampler, Silas Wampler, Katie Wampler, and Annie Wampler; her great-grandchildren, Kora Parker, Louisa Adcock, Konrad Edmonson, Peyton May, and Cameron May; her siblings, Bob Wecker and his wife Diana of Carthage, Karen McDonald and her husband Jerry of Carthage, and Robyn Moore of Russellville, Kentucky; her sister-in-law, Judy Wampler; her great-aunt, Ada Nance of Joplin, Missouri; and many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was also preceded in death by her children, Chad Wampler and Tracy Welch; her son-in-law, Rob Welch; her grandson, Colston Wampler; and her brothers-in-law, Ken Moore and Gary Wampler; and her sister-in-law, Janice Wampler.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 pm, Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Bible Baptist Church, Carthage. The burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Carthage. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.