Jancy Campbell Pettit

Jancy Sue Campbell Pettit died peacefully on February 6, 2026 in Topeka, Kansas, surrounded by her children, following three separate cancer battles.

Born June 8, 1953, in Topeka, Jancy later moved to Manhattan, Kansas, where she graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in fine arts and was a proud member of Pi Beta Phi.

Art was at the center of Jancy’s life. She began her career as the executive director of Lefthanders International. She later spent many years working in marketing and graphic design for many organizations across Topeka and she was a founding partner in Block-Pettit advertising agency, bringing beauty and thoughtful design to every project she touched.

During her college summers, Jancy worked as a counselor at Camp Cheley in Estes Park, Colorado, a place that remained close to her heart and later became meaningful again when her daughter attended as a camper. One of her most cherished roles was serving as director of White Memorial Camp, which offers summer camps for youth and adults with developmental disabilities. She was known for creating an inclusive, joyful environment and for her legendary cooking and hospitality.

Jancy was deeply involved in her community, particularly the arts and community events. She supported the Mulvane Art Center, helped establish the Mulvane Art Fair and was involved with the Collective Art Gallery, and the NOTO Arts Board. She also served as president of her homeowners’ association and was a member of the Junior League of Topeka and the Topeka Country Club.

After retiring, Jancy devoted herself fully to creating and teaching art, developing an intuitive process that emphasized intuitive movement and spontaneous expression. Her large-scale works live on in commercial spaces and private homes in our community and in homes throughout the country. She also found joy and creativity in tending to her colorful and vibrant garden at home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marjorie “Midge” and Dean Campbell; her husband, Kelly Pettit; her stepbrother, Pat Streubing; and her longtime partner, Brad Eberhardt.

Jancy is survived by her children, Brooks Pettit (Jesse) of Lawrence, Kansas, and Casey Pettit of Boston; her grandchildren, Kassel and Charlotte “Charlie” Pettit-Fray; her stepmother, Sondra Streubing Campbell of Wickenburg, Arizona; her siblings, Susie (Spence) Heddens of Prairie Village, Kansas, Bob (Jill) Campbell of Manhattan, Kansas, and Stacey (Bob) Ketcham of Urbandale, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

Jancy will be remembered for her creativity, her generous spirit, her vibrant dinner parties, and the way she encouraged others to see beauty and possibility in the world around them.

Celebration of life services will take place at Kaye Japanese Gardens in Topeka, KS on Sunday, February 15th at 2:00 PM with a reception to immediately follow in the same location. The doors will open at 1:00, and a combination of inside and outdoor viewing areas will be utilized, so the family recommends dressing for the climate. This is a celebration of life ceremony, so the family requests clothing that is reflective of Jancy’s vibrant personality.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The American Cancer Society in her honor.