Jan L. Wooddell

It is with deep sorrow we announce Jan L. Wooddell, age 75, of Paola, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026, at her home.

Jan was born July 6, 1950, in Shawnee, Kansas, the third of four children born to Marsden N. and Greta D. (Spitzli) Thomas. She grew up in the Shawnee Mission area and graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School.

Jan worked for the Overland Park Police Department for a number of years until her marriage to Dale Wooddell on July 6, 1979. The couple made their home in Paola, Kansas.

In her free time, Jan enjoyed spending time with family and friends, pursuing her creative talents by painting specialized gifts and home décor. She loved nature and could be found digging in dirt and tending to her flower beds. She doted on her grandchildren and great grandchildren who affectionately called her “Bana”. She and Dale also assisted with Wendt auction for many years. Jan will forever be in the heats of her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Gary Thomas.

Survivors include her husband, Dale Wooddell of the home; daughter, Joi (Bob) Saelens of Paola, Kansas; son, Jeff (Ammie) Wilbur of Gardner, Kansas; brothers, Ted Thomas and Ward Thomas; six grandchildren, Britnee (Zack), Holly, Corey, Caleb, Lynn, and Haley; and three great-grandchildren, Easton, Adley, and Nellie.

A celebration of life will follow at a later date.