Jane Whitmore, Evansville, WI (1912-2015)

August 11, 2015

August 9, 1912 - August 7, 2015

Jane Whitmore died Friday, Aug. 7, 2015. Jane was born in Moline, IL, on Aug. 9, 1912, to Harvey and Bessie (Giles) Goff. She spent all of her school years in Jackson, MI. She moved to Janesville, WI, in 1929, and then married Donald G. Whitmore on Sept. 2, 1930, in Rockford, IL. In 1956, Don and Jane moved to Hillsboro, OR, where she worked in interior design and taught interior design classes. Jane designed everything from “bull barns to mausoleums” and won a citation for the best design of a retirement home in the State of Oregon. When Jane returned to Evansville in 1972, she worked at the Eager Free Public Library. She also wrote human interest and cooking columns for the duration of the Evansville Post. Since food was one of the most important things in her life, the cooking columns were a special joy for her. Everywhere Jane lived, she was active in theater and politics. She was the last of the charter members of the Rock County Republican Women's Club. Another important part of Jane's life was baseball. She was brought up on baseball with a long family history of involvement with the Philadelphia Phillies in the National Baseball League. Along with watching the Phillies play, Jane was an avid reader and loved beach combing.

Jane maintained her independence well beyond her 100th birthday. Many Evansville citizens will remember seeing her riding her “little darlin” around town to shop and visit the Care Closet. However, Jane will be most remembered for the wonderful homemade French bread she would bake and share with others.

Jane is survived by her children, Ann Kinast of Beloit, John "Buzz" Whitmore of Evansville; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; a son, William; son-in-law, Frank Kinast; daughter-in-law, Diane Whitmore; a sister, Connie Mitchell; a granddaughter, Kimberly Kinast; two grandsons, Timothy and Christopher Kinast.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 until 2:30 p.m. with a brief service at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015, at the KELLY HOUSE CBRF, 121 South Fifth Street, Evansville. A private family burial was held in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Janesville. WARD-HURTLEY FUNERAL HOME, Evansville, is assisting the family.

Jane was so very appreciative of all of the help and support she received from friends and family. She wanted to be sure to express her gratitude and say “thank you” for the wonderful care she received from the staff of the Kelly House and Agrace HospiceCare.

Per Jane's wishes, no flowers please.

Condolences may be expressed at Wardhurtley.com