Jane P. Karker

Jane P. Karker Fort PlainMrs. Jane P. Karker, 65, passed away Saturday, October 11, 2014, following a long illness. She was born March 14, 1949, in Howes Cave, NY, the daughter of the late Philip and Ella Geraldine Kniskern. On May 25, 1968, she was united in marriage to Charles Karker, formerly of Cobleskill. Mrs. Karker most recently was a substitute for HFMC BOCES. She also worked for William Doerrer & Son's Jewelers in Fort Plain and Dr. Bajaj in Canajoharie and Amsterdam. Mrs. Karker was very active in her local community. She worked as an organizer for WGY Christmas Wish, was a longtime member of Capital District Outdoor Track officials, serving as an assignor for over 20 years, past president of the Fort Plain Booster Club, former Fort Plain Cheerleading Coach, and Tri Valley League and Western Athletic Conference Cheerleading Chair Person. She was past president, EMT and board of directors member of the Mid-County Volunteer Ambulance Corp., chair of the Sesquicentennial Year Long Celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Fort Plain, Inc., past member of the Fort Plain Chamber of Commerce, and member of the Canajoharie/Fort Plain Garden Club. Jane was instrumental in beginning the July 4th on the 3rd Celebration. She enjoyed gardening and trips to Cape Cod. Jane was predeceased by her parents and mother-in-law, Margaret Karker. She is survived by her husband, Charles Karker of Fort Plain, NY; sons, Philip Karker, Chris-Jon Karker and his wife, Teresa; granddaughters, Emma Karker and McKenna Karker; father-in-law, Merton Karker; and sisters-in-laws, Margaret Lea, Sue Ann Karker. The family wishes to express their appreciation to friends and family at FPCS. Thank you members of the FPFD and GAVAC. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014, at 3 p.m. at the Fort Plain Reformed Church, Center Street, Fort Plain, NY with the Rev. Nancy Ryan officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Gray-Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, 34 Center Street, Fort Plain, NY. A graveside service will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Fort Plain Scholarship Association, PO Box 65, Fort Plain, NY 13339. Please sign the online guestbook for Mrs. Jane P. Karker at www.houghtalingandsmith.com.