Jane Marie Durfee

1954 - 2026

Jane Marie Durfee, 71, of Scottville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Jane was born on December 15, 1954, in Ludington, Michigan. She was the daughter of Percy and Bernice Durfee and was quickly cherished by her family. Jane shared a special bond with her father that was never duplicated.

Jane lived her life to the fullest. Growing up in Scottville and spending summers at her family's cottage on Crystal Lake. She enjoyed swimming, fishing, and playing with family and friends. She was an avid Detroit Tigers and Lions fan and could often be found shaking her fist at the television, right alongside her mother, Bernice. Jane loved playing Shake Shake (Aggravation), Uno, and other card games. She adored the King of Music, Elvis Presley, and would dance to his records in her room. She also enjoyed trips to the movies, always with a large popcorn and Coke.

Jane traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada with her parents in their motorhome, logging more than 300,000 miles. Janie could locate every McDonald's between home and Lakeland, Florida, where the family wintered and watched the Detroit Tigers spring training.

Jane was a decorated athlete who competed through Area 24 Special Olympics at the local, district, state, and international levels. She participated in bowling, bocce ball, and track and field. During the International Special Olympics Games in the summer of 1983, she won both gold and silver medals. In one memorable race, Jane was so far ahead of the other runners that she stopped to allow them to catch up so they could finish together.

Jane worked for many years at Dimensions Unlimited in Ludington, where she valued both her work and the friendships she formed.

Jane loved God and attended Sugar Ridge Church of the Brethren and Scottville Wesleyan Church. She sang with great enthusiasm, often loudly enough that her mother would remind her to quiet down.

Jane will be dearly missed by her brother, James (Sandra) Durfee; sister, Carol Lynn Copeland; nephew, Brandon Wendt; nieces, Beth McPherson and Becky Durfee; great-niece, Taylor Wendt Lee; great-nephew, William McPherson; and her special friend, Kelly Stark.

A celebration of Jane's life will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Area 24 Special Olympics.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.GraceCremations.com