Janet Louise Meier, 87, of Salina, passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2018. She was born in Greeley, Nebraska on August 25, 1930, to Andrew (Andy) and Imogene (Imo) Wisby. She had an older sister Elizabeth and a younger brother John. The family moved to Grand Island, Nebraska in the early 1940’s, and Janet graduated from Greeley High School. She attended the University of Nebraska for a year, then left college and took the Civil Service Exam and went to work. She married Fred Vandegrift in 1950, and they moved to Salina, where they raised their three children, Mary Deborah, Fred and Don.
The Vandegrifts were avid bridge players, both lifetime masters, but after nearly 20 years, the partnership broke up along with the marriage. Janet started working part time as a receptionist at the Salina Clinic, which soon became a full-time profession of almost thirty years.
In 1971, Janet married Gene Meier, and they enjoyed many happy years together until his death in 2005. Janet taught Gene how to play bridge, and Gene taught Janet how to fish – which they enjoyed for many years. Janet also enjoyed reading and knitting, especially afghans – with a special preference for KU and KSU colors. After retirement, she also enjoyed volunteering at the Salina Regional Health Center waiting areas, and also at Presbyterian Manor. She also loved being with her dogs, first Tracy, then Haley.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Andy and Imo, her brother John Wisby and sister Elizabeth (Betty) Grotecloss, and by her son, Fred Vandegrift. Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law Mary Deborah and Tony Hedges and their family; Tyler Hedges and his daughter Anna Tyler; Seth and Katie Hedges and their daughters Melody and Clarrisa; Darci Hedges and her sons Knox and Camp; and Stuart and Allyn Hedges and their daughters Lucy and Evelyn, and Janet’s son and daughter-in-law Don and Robin Vandegrift and their family; Braden and Mai Vandegrift; Audrey and Chad Mortimer and their children, daughter Grace and son Jake; and Callie Vandegrift; as well as many nieces and nephews.
For over 50 years, Janet was a member of the University United Methodist Church. Janet was a very loving, caring and giving lady. A private inurnment by the family will be held at a later date. Memorials to the Salina Animal Shelter would be a wonderful tribute to her life.
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