Jane Ann (Wood) Slane

Jane Ann Slane, age 89 formerly of Osceola, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 9, 2024, at her home in Fort Wayne. She was surrounded by her family who provided her with love and comfort as she went to be with her Heavenly Father. Jane was born on June 25, 1934, in Rochester, Indiana and was the fifth of thirteen children born to the late Rex E. and Beulah (Bryant) Wood. She was a graduate of Mishawaka High School, class of 1952. Jane met the love of her life, Donovan “Don” J. Slane, in the spring of ’57. The moment Don laid eyes on her, he thought she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen. It was love at first sight as they wed a few months later on October 5, 1957, at the Bethel Brethren Church of Osceola.

Jane is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Don Slane of Fort Wayne, Indiana; children Carla Ann (Kenneth) Weddle of Olathe, Kansas and Brian Charles (Christa) Slane of Flat Rock, Michigan; daughter-in-law Kathy Slane; grandchildren Kyle Slane, Kristie (Isaac) Nanney, Stephanie (Ian) Boen, Emily (Vishrut) Desai, Megan (Curtis) Fore, Madison Slane, and Drew Slane; 9 great grandchildren including Lillian Jane, Jackson and Chloe Boen, Everett Fore and Adalynn Desai, with another great grandchild due soon; her siblings, Pat Ruff and Martha (Bob) Brenneman, both of Osceola, Gloria Newcomer of Jimtown, Karen Swank of Walkerton, Norma Peachey of Tampa, Florida, Ross (Judy) Wood of Mishawaka, and Jerry (Barb) Wood of Osceola; and a special stepsister, Joan Ginther of Rochester. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Beulah Wood; her loving son, Kevin Slane; siblings Phyllis Manges, Donald, Irvin, Charles, and Eugene Wood; and her great granddaughter Amelia Desai.

Visitation will be held from 11am-2pm Friday, February 16, 2024, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola with funeral services to follow at 2pm. Following services, Jane will be laid to rest in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.

Jane was employed by Ball Band in Mishawaka before taking on her most fulfilling role of a full-time devoted homemaker to care for her family. She found immense joy in caring for her family and maintaining an immaculate household, where everything was meticulously organized and tended to with care. Her children and grandchildren were her biggest blessings. She loved to brag about their accomplishments to anyone who would lend an ear. If there was one word to describe Jane, it would be kind-hearted. She selflessly assisted friends, neighbors, and anyone in need, always prioritizing others' well-being above her own.  Everyone whose lives she touched thought she was the sweetest person they ever met and she will be dearly missed.

In her spare time, Jane enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, and baking. She lovingly sewed beautiful clothing for her daughter. She found joy in celebrating her loved ones by baking beautifully decorated cakes for birthdays, graduations, and baby showers. Jane was perhaps most famous for her homemade peach cream pies. They were legendary among anyone who was lucky enough to try a piece. Her granddaughter, Madison, might argue that her lemon meringue was her best pie. Jane would insist on baking it for her any time she visited. Christmas cookie baking and decorating will always be a favorite memory of her grandchildren.  Jane and Don created lasting memories for their children by spending quality time with them on camping adventures, swimming and fishing at Dewart Lake, and visiting both sets of grandparents regularly.  Once their children were married, they enjoyed travel during their retirement, visiting numerous places including Hawaii and Canada.

Most of all, Jane's faith in God was the cornerstone of her life, and she was a long-time member of Faith Missionary Church of Fort Wayne. Her faith was evident in her actions and words, as she shared the love of the Lord with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In her memory, donations may be made to Heartland Hospice or the Remembering Rowan Foundation of Fort Wayne. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Jane’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.