Janet Matile

Janet Elaine Matile, 78, died Friday, November 14, 2025, at her home in Newton, Kansas.

She was born on July 23, 1947, in Abilene, Kansas and spent her childhood and adolescent years there.

Following high school at Abilene High School, Janet attended Emporia State University (Emporia, Kansas) where she received her bachelor’s degree in education. Later in life, she would receive a master’s’ degree in business administration from Baker University (Baldwin City, Kansas). The value of education was instilled in Janet from a young age until her last day on earth. She fostered that same regard for education in both of her sons as she would claim that one of her greatest prides was that both graduated with college degrees. She was an avid reader and was always seeking greater understanding. Janet was a stay-at-home mother for a period of time but as her sons grew older, she would rejoin the workforce as a bookkeeper at Emporia State University in the Building Services department, before finishing her career working for the Kansas State Department of Labor in Topeka. Janet also worked as a home health care provider during her time in Emporia and Topeka.

Janet had moved to Newton following her retirement to be closer to family.

She was a loving mother and caring grandmother. Her sons were always her number one priority.

Janet was preceded in death by a daughter, Jenesse Matile, and parents, mother Reba and father Estel Snyder, and sister Ardith Duncan.

She is survived by two sons, Carson (Crystal) Matile of Newton; Jeff (Rachel) of Americus, Kansas. Janet is also survived by her two grandchildren, Ava and Dentin Matile. She loved them very much and to them will always be affectionately known as “G-ma.” Cremation is planned with no services. Condolences for the family may be left with Petersen Funeral Home, 215 N. Main, Newton, Kansas.