Janet Oliver

Janet Oliver, 69, of Independence, MO passed away October 8, 2025, surrounded by her family. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Friday, October 17 followed by Service at 11 a.m. at Faith Community Church, 102 SW 9th St., Oak Grove, MO 64075.

Janet was born August 18, 1956, the daughter of Toby Daniel Turnbow and Dian Marie (DuVall) Reagan, in Kansas City, MO and was raised in Independence. After attending Truman High school, she became a mother of 4 children. She started her career as a waitress and graduated to event coordinator at Eastover Country Club. In 1995 she became a class V raft guide at Dvorak Expeditions in Nathrup, Colorado, logging numerous miles on the Arkansas River. Her adventurous and spirited life guided her eventually to Unity Village where, as a prayer minister, she provided emotional support and love to the most vulnerable. She met her present husband, William Paavo Oliver, in 2002 and spent the next 10 years in a paddle shop business. Janet enjoyed kayaking, outdoors, cooking, music, canning, gardening, antiquing and family traditions. She loved spending time with her siblings and her mom at her “family farm.”

All she ever wanted, was to make memories in the hearts of her children and precious grandchildren, to experience the love and togetherness during her lifetime.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Peggy Sue Brandt. She is survived by her husband Bill, 7 siblings and her four children with first husband, Randy James Taylor: son; Randy Taylor, son; Brent and Rachael Taylor, daughter; April and Brian Collens, and son; Nick and Nikki Taylor. Bonus children: daughter; Kristina Howerton, daughter; Courtney and Aaron Shillcutt, and son; Jason Oliver. 17 Grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and many many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the caregivers of Hospice by John Knox Village for providing compassionate care in her final days. In lieu of donations, family requests prayer.