Riley 1934 Jane Y. Hunt

Obituary

Jane Y. Hunt Sept. 29, 1916 - June 29, 2015 SOUTH BEND - The following is a rather unorthodox obituary of Jane's history including tidbits as told to her daughter several years ago. Absolutely fitting knowing Jane. Jane Yockey Hunt, a lifelong resident of South Bend, passed away Monday afternoon, June 29, 2015, at her daughter and son-in-law's (Cheryl and Bob) home surrounded by her loving family. She was born, along with her twin "older" sister Jeanne, in Nappanee, IN, to the late Helen Knapp (Nold) Yockey and Lloyd Oliver Yockey. (Jane placed the emphasis on "older.") Jane also has a surviving younger sister, Margaret Mary Yockey Stephenson "Peggy" of Washington. Jane was much chagrined to point out that Peggy never had to wear long underwear to gym like the twins, although she did concede that Peggy had to put up with two sets of hand-me-downs. Growing up, the sisters spent considerable time at Barron Lake enjoying swimming, boating (rowboat that is), canoeing, hiking, and snipe hunting at night. Jane graduated from Riley High School as Salutatorian in January 1934. Although, over the years she claimed Valedictorian status stating tongue in cheek, 'No one else is still alive to say differently'. Ha She worked at South Bend Bait Company as Secretary to a Vice President for 15 years. Jane represented the SB Bait Company Bowling Team with, what she proudly stated, a 124 average. In addition to working and bowling, Jane enjoyed herself by playing the piano but not singing much to everyone's gratitude. Also during that time she was quite the Belle of the Ball (her words), dating and dancing, saving the dance cards, invitations, and announcements as proof. Jane married Russell Lewis Hunt, also a Riley High School alum, on March 4, 1944, in Abilene, Texas, and thoroughly enjoyed 53 years of marriage prior to his death on January 19, 1998. Correspondence from WW II confirms: she was his Sweetie, Cutie, Sylvester's Mom (inside joke, finding out recently Sylvester was of the 4-legged variety), Darling love, One and only, and Forever and always love. Now they're together again. During those 53 years until recently, Jane, a Jubilee member of First United Methodist Church on Main St., South Bend, proudly served the church teaching Sunday School for 35 years, belonged to the Kumdouble Class, participated in the Prayer Chain, and always lent a hand volunteering time, food, visits, cards, smiles, love and laughter. She volunteered at the church sponsored Budget Corner in River Park for years and years. In addition to the church, Jane supported the: St. Joseph County Library, Potawatomi Zoo, National Wildlife Foundation and the Audubon Society. Jane and Russ enjoyed reading, square dancing and bridge clubs, family summers at Diamond Lake, and socializing with friends and family. Bridge and euchre games were commonplace activities with the Hunts. Jane was a member and Past President of the former SBCSC School Men Wives' Club, especially enjoying participating in the Arts and Crafts group. Jane was always there for her children while they were growing up, even volunteering to: chaperone, lead Blue Bird and Cub Scout groups, chauffer, surrogate parent their friends, adopt a puppy (Hobo) Cheryl brought home from school, verify that indeed Terry was sick on Senior Skip Day, and provide the best all-around loving and nurturing home. Jane currently participated in a Duplicate Bridge Club, Riley Over Fifty Lunch Bunch, and church with her good friend Mary Morris. She also loved reading (about 15-20 books weekly), and going out to eat regularly with a personal favorite being strawberry crepes from Bob Evans. Jane is survived by her son, Terry (Karen) Hunt of Osceola, and daughter, Cheryl (Robert) Uyhelji of Granger; grandchildren, Robert (Crystal) Uyhelji, Jr., Tracy Uyhelji, Daniel (Erica) Hunt, Debra (Michael) Shepard, Christopher Uyhelji, and Bryan Uyhelji; and great-grandchildren, Spencer and Summer Uyhelji, Noah, Carter, and Ella Hunt, and Jaxon and Jace Shepard. She is also survived by nieces, Patricia Hipskind, Kathleen (Ron) Erb, and Jeanne Stephenson Anacker, and her nephew, John Hipskind. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 until 6:00 pm Thursday, July 2, 2015, in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 521 N. William St., with the service immediately following at 6:00 pm. Please wear bright, cheerful, colorful clothes to celebrate Jane's life. Memorial contributions may be donated to First United Methodist Church, 333 N. Main St., South Bend, IN 46601. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com. Jane saved this poem to share with you (taken from a Shriner publication): "We do not lose the ones we love They only go before Where there is everlasting life Where sorrow is no more . . . And there the soul will always live And peace is everywhere We do not lose the ones we love God takes them in His care."

edit jmc 18 nov 2017 added image from obit