Janet Lee Anderson, 75, co-owner and bookkeeper of Anderson Book and Office Supply, Newton's oldest downtown business at 118 years, died Friday (Nov. 26, 2010) at Via Christi-St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Wichita.

She was born June 28, 1935, to Milton and Edith Gray in Woodward, Okla. The Gray family moved to Newton when Jan was in the second grade. She finished her education in the Newton schools and loved being a Railroader. Jan's high school years coincided with the school's greatest basketball teams under Coach John Ravenscroft. Jan met the love of her life, Phillip Anderson III, a Newton High student and a basketball manager, at a Demolay/Job's Daughters dance during her sophomore year at Newton High School. She took a clerking job at Anderson Book Store, then married the boss' son on Sept. 4, 1954, at the Newton Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include her husband Phil, sons Milt & wife Sabrina, Murray & wife Meredith, daughter in law Virginia, 7 grandchildren; Emily, Erica, Dylan, Avery, Abby, Carlye and Kaylee, and sister Jean Walton.

Her parents and one son, Clay, preceded her in death.

Jan's family was the focus and true passion of her life, where most of the ever-present smiles that she went through life with were devoted. She also enjoyed cooking and interacting with customers at the bookstore, located at the corner of Main and Broadway on Newton's busiest downtown corner.

She attended Emporia State University, where she was a member of the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority.

She had a collection of hundreds of cookbooks and for years actively submitted her favorite recipes to the Newton Kansan and Wichita Eagle holiday cookbooks, winning various awards throughout the years. She also enjoyed collecting Precious Moments and Simpich dolls, crocheting, knitting and traveling.

Jan was a familiar face at a wide variety of Newton activities, including the Red Hat Society – Harvey Girls, and the Newton High School Athletic Booster Club since its inception. Jan also served as an elder of the Presbyterian Church and just last week ended her term on the church's endowment committee.

Jan and Phil were avid fans of KU Jayhawk basketball, and Jan was an active member of the Harvey County Hawks. One of her proudest moments was hosting a book signing by former Jayhawk Mario Chalmers, whose shot set the stage for KU's 2008 national championship.

Jan served on the board of Presbyterian Manor in Newton was a member of Newton's Soroptimist organization and the Harvey County Historical Society board. Jan and Phil had a passion for Newton High School sports, holding season tickets to basketball and football games for more than 50 years. Jan also had a passion for the Daughters of the American Revolution, holding many offices including past regent for the Newton DAR chapter.

Services will be at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday (Dec. 1, 2010) at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. James Anderson officiating. Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery

The family suggests memorials to Newton High School Athletic's Hall of Fame or the Permanent Endowment Fund of First Presbyterian Church, contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, Ks. 67114.

Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday 9am til 9pm, where the family will receive friends 7:00 til 8:30.