In Memory Of
Janet Lynn Paduh
1950
2021
Janet Lynn Paduh
January 20, 1950 — November 25, 2021
Janet Lynn Paduh, 71, Topeka, passed away Thursday, November 25, 2021 at Midland Hospice House due to secondary complications of COVID19.
Janet was born January 20, 1950 in Kansas City, KS, the daughter of Silas (SK) and Jane (Wells) Stephens. She graduated from Topeka West High School 1968 and attended Washburn University.
The daughter of accomplished local painter Jane Stephens, art was in Janet's upbringing. Her Topeka West art teacher, Royce Fleming, was one of Janet's earliest mentors. She finished her high school coursework two years early, but since she was required to graduate with her class, Janet had plenty of time to take more art classes.
She met Ron Paduh, a San Antonio-based Air Force Flight Instructor and Flight Engineer, who was stationed in Topeka in 1973, where he taught Forbes Field pilots. After they married, they moved to San Antonio, Texas where he continued with the Air Force and she managed the family ranch.
In Texas, Janet began painting again. She entered her work in Topeka art shows, giving her an excuse to visit. Though she was living in Texas, she was granted membership to the Topeka Art Guild. Through the Guild, she took workshops that allowed her to master a new type of medium: acrylics. Janet was an accomplished and award-winning artist.
When Ron was transferred to Oklahoma City, Janet became active in a new art community. She purchased a gallery and led several organizations, including the Oklahoma Watercolor Association and the Oklahoma Art Guild.
When Ron Retired, the couple returned to San Antonio, where they lived until he passed away in 2016.
In San Antonio, Janet continued to paint, focusing on dramatic, colorful portrayals if animals which were very popular. She owned Eclectic Art Gallery on the River Walk in San Antonio. She was a member of River Art Group, San Antonio Water Color Society and Texas Water Color Society. Janet's artwork was selected for the San Antonio Fiesta Poster and the Pecan Street Poster for an art festival in Austin, TX.
While in San Antonio, Janet started a program for kids who needed a place to go after school. With the help of another artist, she organized a spring watercolor month where the students, many of them first-time painters, would submit. Each piece was framed and displayed on stage in the plaza of a San Antonio art district. The students would win awards and even get to sell their work.
She was featured in San Antonio Women's Magazine article, "Water Color Comes of Age in 2004."
Wanting to be near to family, Janet moved back to Topeka in 2017 and bought SouthWind Art Gallery in 2019 and was operating it up until the time of her death. In 2020 Janet was featured in the TK Business Magazine article, "Art Does More Than Decorate."
Janet loved her family, art, animals and fast cars. She also had a sparkling personality that drew people to her and became a very well-known asset throughout the Topeka Art community. Her contributions and compassion have been felt by many and will be remembered. She will be extremely missed by her family, friends and the Topeka Art community.
Survivors include a sister, Talisa Joy McClain, Topeka; brother, Dr. Robert (Cyndi) Stephens, Parkville, MO; and niece, Stephanie (John) Hughes; nephew, Greg (Lisa) Wright; great-nieces, Taylor (Cody) McKaig, Talisa Hughes, Tateum Hughes, Harper Wright, Hunter Wright; and great-great nephew, Carson McKaig; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Joe and Pam Pudah, San Antonio, TX; her furries, Wussy, Tigg, Hazel June and Sadie Jane. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, Midland Care or the Topeka Art Guild.
Dove Cremations and Funerals - Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka, KS 66610 is assisting the family.
Janet's family wishes to THANK the staff of Stormont Vail, Select Specialty Hospital, Kansas City, KS and Midland Hospice House for their excellent loving care and support.
To leave a special message for the family or to share a special memory of Janet, please visit the guestbook below.
Janet was born January 20, 1950 in Kansas City, KS, the daughter of Silas (SK) and Jane (Wells) Stephens. She graduated from Topeka West High School 1968 and attended Washburn University.
The daughter of accomplished local painter Jane Stephens, art was in Janet's upbringing. Her Topeka West art teacher, Royce Fleming, was one of Janet's earliest mentors. She finished her high school coursework two years early, but since she was required to graduate with her class, Janet had plenty of time to take more art classes.
She met Ron Paduh, a San Antonio-based Air Force Flight Instructor and Flight Engineer, who was stationed in Topeka in 1973, where he taught Forbes Field pilots. After they married, they moved to San Antonio, Texas where he continued with the Air Force and she managed the family ranch.
In Texas, Janet began painting again. She entered her work in Topeka art shows, giving her an excuse to visit. Though she was living in Texas, she was granted membership to the Topeka Art Guild. Through the Guild, she took workshops that allowed her to master a new type of medium: acrylics. Janet was an accomplished and award-winning artist.
When Ron was transferred to Oklahoma City, Janet became active in a new art community. She purchased a gallery and led several organizations, including the Oklahoma Watercolor Association and the Oklahoma Art Guild.
When Ron Retired, the couple returned to San Antonio, where they lived until he passed away in 2016.
In San Antonio, Janet continued to paint, focusing on dramatic, colorful portrayals if animals which were very popular. She owned Eclectic Art Gallery on the River Walk in San Antonio. She was a member of River Art Group, San Antonio Water Color Society and Texas Water Color Society. Janet's artwork was selected for the San Antonio Fiesta Poster and the Pecan Street Poster for an art festival in Austin, TX.
While in San Antonio, Janet started a program for kids who needed a place to go after school. With the help of another artist, she organized a spring watercolor month where the students, many of them first-time painters, would submit. Each piece was framed and displayed on stage in the plaza of a San Antonio art district. The students would win awards and even get to sell their work.
She was featured in San Antonio Women's Magazine article, "Water Color Comes of Age in 2004."
Wanting to be near to family, Janet moved back to Topeka in 2017 and bought SouthWind Art Gallery in 2019 and was operating it up until the time of her death. In 2020 Janet was featured in the TK Business Magazine article, "Art Does More Than Decorate."
Janet loved her family, art, animals and fast cars. She also had a sparkling personality that drew people to her and became a very well-known asset throughout the Topeka Art community. Her contributions and compassion have been felt by many and will be remembered. She will be extremely missed by her family, friends and the Topeka Art community.
Survivors include a sister, Talisa Joy McClain, Topeka; brother, Dr. Robert (Cyndi) Stephens, Parkville, MO; and niece, Stephanie (John) Hughes; nephew, Greg (Lisa) Wright; great-nieces, Taylor (Cody) McKaig, Talisa Hughes, Tateum Hughes, Harper Wright, Hunter Wright; and great-great nephew, Carson McKaig; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Joe and Pam Pudah, San Antonio, TX; her furries, Wussy, Tigg, Hazel June and Sadie Jane. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, Midland Care or the Topeka Art Guild.
Dove Cremations and Funerals - Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka, KS 66610 is assisting the family.
Janet's family wishes to THANK the staff of Stormont Vail, Select Specialty Hospital, Kansas City, KS and Midland Hospice House for their excellent loving care and support.
To leave a special message for the family or to share a special memory of Janet, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Janet Lynn Paduh, please visit our flower store.
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