Almeda Jane Kirkpatrick

MATTOON - Almeda Jane Kirkpatrick, age 92, of Mattoon, IL, passed away at 7:23 p.m., Wednesday, May 12, 2011, at Gowin Parc in Mattoon. The funeral service in her honor will begin at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 16, 2011 at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL, 61938. Reverend Richard Coen will officiate. Interment will be in Henry Cemetery, Henry, IL. Visitation will be Monday from 10:00 a.m., until the service begins. Born December 24, 1918, in Springfield, IL, Jane was the daughter of Calvin S., Sr. and Hazel T. (Leonard) Stickel. She married Paul D. Kirkpatrick, November 25, 1969, in Fort Lauderdale, FL, then then spent their married life in Boca Raton, FL. He passed away in January 8, 1979. Survivors include two nieces, Karen Boswell and husband Ken, and Margene Stahle and husband Steve; five great nieces and nephews, Jeff Boswell and wife Aimee, Cindi Owens and husband Lynn, Lindsey Foss and husband Ryan, Curtis Stahle, and Kristen Stahle; six great-great nieces and nephews; and one sister-in-law, Rita Stickel. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by both parents; two brothers, Calvin Stickel, Jr., and Leonard Stickel; and one sister, Jaunita Stickel. After graduating from Kenney High School, Jane earned a teaching certificate and taught in Elmwood Public Schools for several years. She then moved back to Decatur and worked as an administrative assistant at A.E. Staley Company, where she met her husband Paul. After the passing of her husband, Jane established a child care business in her home, where she took care of children until she was 80 years old. This was her true passion, and she was known to those who loved her as Aunt Jane or Mrs. K. She was fun loving, always smiling, and had endless ideas to entertain children. She was also devoted to her family and never missed a celebration. Memorials in her honor may be made to Camp New Hope, or an organization of the donor's choice. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with her family. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at http://legacy.com/obituaries/herald-review/