Janella Lane Wittenbrink, 61, rural Osawatomie, died March 30, 2011, at Olathe Medical Center. She entered the hospital Monday night. She had battled with cancer for a little more than three years.

She was born Feb. 16, 1950, in Paola, the daughter of Rod Dever and Frances Rowzee. She received her education in Osawatomie schools, graduating from Osawatomie High School in 1968. She was active in the Osawatomie Alumni Association from when she graduated up until the present time and had served as her class secretary since 1970. She had never missed an Osawatomie Alumni event since she graduated.

In addition to being a devoted homemaker, she had worked for East Kansas Offset in Osawatomie; the Olathe Daily News in Olathe; and retired from the Osawatomie Graphic.

She and her husband, Bill Wittenbrink, had been together for 45 years. They made their home in the Osawatomie area and became the parents of three.

She and her husband traveled many miles and made many trips on their motorcycle, he in the driver’s seat and she in the side car, happy to be viewing the scenery and sometimes reading a book. She was a member of the American Motorcyclist Association and the United Sidecar Association. One of their last trips took place last year, when they toured to Maine and back, having wonderful adventures along the way.

In addition to her beloved motorcycle trips, she adored her grandchildren, who in turn adored her. Her family was her ultimate blessing.

Survivors include her husband; her children, Carl Wittenbrink of St. Louis, Mo., Staci and Steve Flanagan of Wichita, and Lanie and Brandon Curtis of Louisburg; and her five grandchildren, Chase Crenshaw, Ella Flanagan, Marian Curtis, Ava Curtis and Stella Curtis.

It was Mrs. Wittenbrink’s request that no services be held.

Memorials may be made to the Osawatomie Alumni Association, P.O. Box 421, Osawatomie, KS 66064.