Mary Jane “Janie” Kinne Melton

December 4, 1945 – September 4, 2026

Mary Jane “Janie” Kinne Melton, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of those who cherished her.

Janie was born on December 4, 1945, in Hollywood, California, to William and Besse Wood Kinne. As a teenager, she moved with her family to Missouri, where she would make her home and build a life filled with family, friendships, and many special memories. She graduated from Lee’s Summit High School in 1963.

What began as a hobby eventually became Janie’s lifelong career and passion. She was a talented professional cake technician, specializing in deserts, working in the bakeries of several area grocery stores, including Lloyd’s IGA and Price Chopper, before joining Rich’s Corporation, where she worked until her retirement in 2018. During her years with Rich’s Corporation, Janie traveled throughout the southern states, helping establish and set up bakery departments in grocery stores. Her creativity, dedication, and genuine love for her work touched many lives.

In 2009, Janie moved to Milton, Florida, a place she dearly loved. In 2022, she returned to Missouri to be closer to her family, where she spent the rest of her precious time.

Janie was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord with all her heart. Her faith was an important part of who she was, and she carried that love with her throughout her life. She treasured her family deeply and especially looked forward to holidays, birthdays, and any opportunity for everyone to gather together. Those times were precious to her and created memories that her family will carry in their hearts forever.

Janie also had a tender and loving heart for her beloved dogs and grand dogs. Her puppies were more than pets—they were cherished members of her family and brought her great comfort, companionship, and joy.

Janie is survived by her three sons, William (Bill) Hensley (Pam) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Steven Hensley (Colette) of Cape Coral, Florida; and Samuel Hensley (Sheryl) of Milton, Florida; five beloved grandchildren, Dustin Hensley, Brett Hensley, Stevonna Nesbit, Andrionna Kuroki, and Kimberly Snider; and eight great-grandchildren, who brought her much love and happiness.

Pallbearers are William Hensley, Steven Hensley, Sam Hensley, Brett Hensley, Dustin Hensley and Austin Snider. Honorary pallbearers are Carl Cochran, Nick Nesbit, Thomas Nesbit, Ezikiel Kuroki and Kyohei Kuroki.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Sarah Dyer, and her brother, William Kinne, Jr.

Though our hearts are heavy with the loss of Janie, we find comfort in knowing that her earthly journey is complete and that she is now at peace in the loving presence of her Lord and Savior. Her love, laughter, kindness, and the memories she created with her family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of Janie’s life will be held at Cullen Funeral Home, 612 W. Foxwood Dr, Raymore, Missouri, on September 18, 2026. Visitation begins at 12:00 PM and a service to follow at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at Floral Hills East Memorial Gardens in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

Memorial donations may be given to Abundant Life Church – Lee’s Summit online at https://abundant-life.com/give/#giving or to the KC Pet Project online at https://kcpetproject.org/donate/ 

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278