Jane Sajo, 93, of Junction City passed away on May 30th at the Brookdale Senior Living Residence in Junction City. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, June 7th in the Junction City First Presbyterian Church. Reverend Tim Maguffee will officiate. Following that service, she will be laid to rest with her husband at the Kansas Veteran’s Cemetery, located at 5181 Wildcat Creek Road in Manhattan.
Janie was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, and her husband, Alexander John Sajo. She is survived by her three children, Elizabeth (and her partner Deborah), John (known in the family as Chief) and Jim (and his wife Susan). Also surviving Janie are her two grandchildren Colette Lynch-Sajo and John Sajo with their mother, Barbara Lynch. Janie also leaves many colleagues and friends around the country and across the world, but especially in her adopted hometown of Junction City/Fort Riley. Last, but certainly not least are her two beloved feline friends and cat companions, Mac and Gina.
Janie was born November 7th, 1929, in Toledo Ohio. She grew up there and after high school attended Duke University, where she graduated in 1952. She took a job in Cincinnati with an exciting new company called IBM, but shortly thereafter decided to marry a dashing newly Commissioned Army Officer instead.
More than 27 years later, Janie and John retired and moved back to Junction City. During their military adventure they raised three children, lived in Japan, Germany, Turkey, and across the United States. She taught elementary school for more than 15 years and volunteered innumerable hours of service in the care of Soldiers and their families.
In 1965, when Fort Riley’s 1st Infantry Division was deployed to Vietnam, Janie conceived, developed, and served as the first president of “The Waiting Wives Club” giving help and support to the hundreds of military families who stayed near Fort Riley. The Waiting Wives was the first of its kind and predated official organizations such as Army Community Services and Family Readiness Support Groups.
In 1976, Janie set up a Sunday School program for the children at Fort Gillem, Georgia. In 1978, she organized, obtained funding, and hired the staff for a “Kiddie Corner Child Care Service” for kids at Seneca Army Depot in upstate New York. Both of those programs were the first time that kind of service was available to Army families at those installations.
Even after her husband retired from the Army, Janie continued her volunteer service. In 1990, when the Big Red One was deploying to the Persian Gulf, she organized “canteens” to serve refreshments and relaxation materials to Soldiers waiting for transportation. In 1991 she created The Old Trooper Ladies. Teamed with the Junction City Chamber of Commerce, this group of Junction City women provided (and still provides) services and support to Fort Riley families, especially families of wounded or fallen Soldiers. The Old Trooper Ladies also has a Contact Lady Program, connecting a Junction City member with a spouse from a battalion or larger unit from Fort Riley. The Junction City - Fort Riley relationship is much improved as a result. In 1994 Janie became involved with the Fort Riley bone marrow donor registration and served as co-chair during two bone marrow donor drives.
In May of 2006, Janie was honored when the 1st Infantry Division Commander named her a “Distinguished Trooper.” It is the most prestigious award that can be bestowed on a private citizen and recognizes “sustained superior service to Fort Riley.”
Janie and John were devoted members of The First Presbyterian Church of Junction City, a relationship that began more than 60 years ago. She served as a Church Elder in 1982 and again in 1997, as well as serving as Deacon from 1991 to 1993.
Janie’s life was distinguished by a grace and beauty that put all of us at ease, along with an unswerving love for her family and her dedicated service to others. She made many treasured friends through the military, teaching, volunteer service, and the church.
Janie’s family would like to thank the staff of Brookdale Senior Living in Junction City, the caregivers of At Home Care in Manhattan, and the nurses of Accord Hospice of Manhattan. Their kindness, love, and support helped her so much over these final years, months, and weeks.
Janie’s family also expresses their deep gratitude to her friends who have visited, called or sent cards in the last few months. Janie understood completely how well-loved she was.
May she rest in lasting peace.
Memorial contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 113 W. 5th Street Junction City, KS 66441.