Jane Lee Barthels

Jane Lee Barthels (nee Haas), 95 of Avon Lake passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
She met the love of her life, her beloved Jack, her future husband, when attending Connellsville High School in Pennsylvania where they rode the train together every day. He was her best friend Marilyn's brother. When he graduated in 1945, he left for the (Air Force) military and was stationed in Japan. Upon his return, and after asking her to marry him six times, she finally said yes. Before getting married, Jane wanted to be sure to finish her education first. They were married in a church ceremony on June 11, 1950, and raised their three children in a home built on love and faith. They celebrated 70 years of marriage together. They set an example of true love that their family will always cherish.
Jane was a teacher for 32 years. She taught in Lorain and Avon Lake, Ohio. For the majority of her career, she taught at Learwood Jr. High and Avon Lake High School. She enjoyed teaching-especially at Learwood-and loved her students. Boxes upon boxes of students' treasured work was kept for years, as she longed to make a book out of it. That was a testament to how she loved her students, and her steadfast dedication to educating. She taught 9th grade English and added Drama classes when she taught at ALHS. She received many accolades for her teaching and was deeply appreciated by her students, many of whom remember her fondly. They have joyfully shared stories with the family often over social media.
Both Jane and Jack loved to travel. After retirement, she and Jack traveled all over the world and had the time of their lives. Her favorite place was "wherever I am".
She loved College Club and Bridge Club where she and Jack forged lifelong friendships.
Jane was very active in Wimodausis and was a cofounder of an Elderhostel group in Lorain County helping to encourage travel for her local peers. She was a member of the United Church of Christ, Avon Lake, Ohio, since the mid 1960's. Upon renovation of the church, they donated stained glass windows for the chapel, reminding them of the family church back home in Pennsylvania that was lucky enough to have Tiffany glass windows.
Being an educator was her passion, but her adoration and love was reserved for her family and friends. The words "do your best and never less" will be heard in her voice for years to come. She put love above all else. She and Jack left a powerful legacy of love, kindness, and a deep dedication to education. Imagining both of them together again brings great peace & comfort to all who knew them.
She is survived by her loving children Andrea L. Barthels, Jack W. Barthels (Arlene), and Anne M. Stirm; dear grandchildren Nathan A. Barthels (Kendra), Hannah A. Case, Aaron L. Barthels (Shay) and Stephanie M. Stirm; cherished great-grandchildren Makayla, Kyle, Jordyn, Olivia, and JJ; and sisters Evelyn M. Lowry and Loreen Martin.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Jack B. Barthels; and parents Andrew J. and Pearle M. (nee Patterson) Haas.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Avon Lake United Church of Christ.
Family will receive friends Friday, May 3, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00pm for a visitation with a service starting at 3:00pm at the Avon Lake United Church of Christ 32801 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake, OH 44012. The burial will take place Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 1:00pm at Green Ridge Memorial Park 2901 Memorial Blvd., Connellsville, PA 15425. www.buschcares.com 440.933.3202