Dr. Jane Offutt Burns

LUBBOCK - Jane Offutt Burns, 84, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away November 6, 2023, at her home. She was born in 1939, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Andrew J. Offutt IV and Helen Spaninger Offutt.

Jane was a much-beloved professor at Texas Tech University, where she held the Frank M. Burke Chair in Taxation. She was a brilliant teacher in the classroom, but her greatest joy was privately mentoring graduate students. Prior to Texas Tech, she taught at Indiana University, Penn State, Southern Illinois University, and Eastern Kentucky University. She held a Ph.D. from Penn State and an M.B.A. from the University of Louisville.

Jane was remarkably accomplished in many ways, often being the only woman in a male-dominated field. She didn't care for the term "feminist," but preferred to think of herself as a pioneer, blazing the trail for other women. Jane was the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in Business at Penn State and the third female C.P.A. in the state of Kentucky. She was also a world traveler, a private pilot, and a crack shot with a pistol.

Jane's academic career included writing two books on tax research as well as editing seven books on tax and business. She authored dozens of articles for professional journals and was the recipient of many research grants. She served on numerous boards for tax, accounting, and business. Her multiple awards include Outstanding Accounting Educator in Texas. Both her alma maters honored her with Distinguished alumni awards.

Jane was honest, forthright, and loyal. She faced adversity with an optimism and cheer that knew no bounds. She had a wonderful sense of humor and laughed in every conversation. Jane was legendary for both her frugalness and generosity.

After retiring from Texas Tech, Jane became extremely involved with the Lubbock community. She was active with Meals on Wheels, Sondra's Song, Goodwill Industries, the YWCA, and her church, Covenant Presbyterian. She was a staunch supporter of the Texas Tech Lady Raiders basketball team and attended most home and many away games. Each May she hosted an elaborate Kentucky Derby party for her closest friends, whom she lovingly called "The Crazy Ladies."

Jane was predeceased by the love of her life, Henry (Hank) Burns. They met in 1967 and knew within two weeks that they'd get married. They had an adventurous life that included flying their Cessna around the interior of Alaska.

A devoted and kind aunt, she is survived by her nieces and nephews Chris Offutt, Jeff Offutt, Scotty Hyde, and Melissa Offutt; her grand nieces and nephews, Steffi Offutt, Joyce Su, Sam Offutt, and James Offutt; a great-grand niece, Hana Offutt, and a great-grand nephew, Fox Offutt. A strong believer in education, Jane was supportive of her family's efforts to attain degrees.

A memorial service will be December 1 at Covenant Presbyterian in Lubbock. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Meals on Wheels in Lubbock.