Janice "Jan" Scott

Janice Ann (Jan) Scott, age 76, formerly of Lee’s Summit, MO, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at Luther Manor Senior Nursing Facility in Hannibal, Missouri.

Jan was born April 8, 1947, in Kansas City, MO. She was the daughter of Luther Gordon and Marjorie Elaine Vandeventer, and the eldest of three children. Jan graduated from Raytown High School in Raytown, MO, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Photojournalism from Kansas University.

Jan held a variety of professional positions during her career, and she was regarded as a savvy, intuitive businessperson, a high performer who consistently exceeded the expectations of her customers and clients. Notably, she worked as a Customer Service Representative for Hallmark Cards, and spent 30 years as a Key Account Manager for Henry Wurst Publishing in Kansas City, MO.

Her true passion, however, was her love of horses and the Western lifestyle.  She was an expert equestrian, proficient in all western and performance disciplines. As a young woman, Jan won several contests recognizing her beauty, poise, intellect and horsemanship; winning the title of Miss Raytown, being crowned Queen of the American Royal, winning the Miss Rodeo Missouri pageant, and being named first runner up in the Miss Rodeo America contest. While a sophomore at Kansas, Jan co-founded the KU chapter of the National Inter-Collegiate Rodeo Association.

During her show career, Jan bred, raised, trained, and exhibited numerous National Champion Registered Paint horses, and she was widely recognized in the industry for her knowledge, skill, and showmanship. Jan was a skilled Show Announcer and was one of the first female Announcers to work at National-level equestrian events. As her show career began to wind down, Jan remained active in the industry by breeding, promoting, and marketing high-quality registered Paint Horses. After retiring from active showing, Jan paid it forward by working closely with beginning riders to develop their skills – loaning horses, providing training, transportation, and show day support and coaching.

With her long-time partner Larry Bowes, Jan also helped to launch the music careers of several country musicians, including Tracy Lawrence, Trent Tomlinson, and Colt Prather.

Jan met a lot of people in her life – thanks to her varied interests and experiences. To her many friends, colleagues, and family, Jan was generous, confident, thoughtful, and loving, and was quick to offer assistance and support to those in need. She was a fun-loving companion with an outsized personality, a quick wit, and a profound sense of humor. Jan was also fearless and direct – unafraid to confront anyone who dared to mistreat her or one of her friends. Jan was beloved and will be missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know her.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents.

Jan is survived by:

A brother – Gordon Douglas (Doug) Vandeventer, of Burleson, TX

A sister – Linda Kay Crusinberry (Jim), of Maywood, MO

Two nephews – Ryan Charles Plattner (Blair), of Blue Springs, MO

                        Cody Vandeventer, of Burleson TX

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on Tuesday, August 15 at Speaks Suburban Chapel. Visitation will be from 9 until 11am, with services to follow. Jans’ ashes will be interred at a private ceremony at Newcomers Floral Hills cemetery.

Memorials: Community Loving Care Hospice, 1310 S. Business Highway 61, Suite B, Bowling Green, MO 63334

https://my.gather.app/remember/jan-scott