Janice Evelyn (Kiddoo) Degraffenreid

Janice Evelyn DeGraffenreid, 73, of Boonville, passed away Friday, April 14, 2023, at University Hospital in Columbia.

The visitation for Jan will be held at Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church on Thursday, April 20, 2023, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service beginning at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery.
 

Jan DeGraffenreid was born February 20, 1950, in Joy, Illinois. As a girl growing up near Memphis, Missouri, Jan dreamt of one day becoming a nurse. She eventually made her dream a reality and worked as a Registered Nurse at University Hospital in Columbia, primarily in intensive care, until 2011. In 2001, she received the highly prestigious Chancellor's Staff Recognition Award in honor of her service to the university as an outstanding caretaker, teacher, and colleague.
 

In 1985, Jan married David DeGraffenreid. The couple built their home, a log cabin outside Boonville, by hand, and they loved living in the country. Jan, like her husband, loved to hunt and fish, and she spent time outdoors with Dave and their friends whenever she could. She adored gardening, as well as reading, sewing, and talking with friends over a hot cup of black coffee (or two). Jan liked being active, whether taking an afternoon walk, paddling a canoe down the Meramec River, or going for a swim at the YMCA. From riding the fastest roller coaster at Disney World to parasailing over the Caribbean Sea, she was always ready for an adventure. Jan was passionate about discovering new places and visiting old favorites, and she traveled as often as she could. Most of all, though, she relished spending time with her family and friends, and she loved her husband, children, and grandchildren dearly.
 

Jan was an active member of Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church, where she participated in the choir and a number of other ministries. She served as the parish nurse for many years and used her nursing skills on multiple mission trips both in the US and overseas. Jan was also a member of Gideons International, and she spent time doing prison ministry.
 

In 2011, Jan was diagnosed with the rare disease cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), after suffering her first hemorrhagic stroke. She went on to recover from eleven strokes in as many years, fighting back each time with relentless determination and firm belief in the healing power of Jesus Christ.
 

Jan is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Macel Kiddoo, mother- and father-in-law, Herschel “Dee” and Barbara DeGraffenreid, and brother-in-law, Jerry DeGraffenreid. She is survived by her husband, David DeGraffenreid, of Boonville,  daughter Lori (Andre) Gerke, son Curtis (Karen) Rudicil, siblings Joyce (Phil) Aylward, Allen (Bob) Kiddoo, and William "Bill" (Kathy) Kiddoo. She also leaves behind grandchildren Brittany (née Gerke) Loughman and Carl “Alex” Thomas. Jan DeGraffenreid was the most loving wife, mother, and grandma, and, though she has gone on to glory, she will be deeply missed.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Boonslick Gideons. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janice Evelyn (Kiddoo) Degraffenreid, please visit our floral store.