Jane Frances Haywood

Jane Frances Haywood, age 88, of Lovilia, IA, passed away on November 4, 2025, at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia, under the care of EveryStep Hospice.
Jane was born on November 6, 1936, at home in Bussey, IA, to Harlon Eugene and Rosella Mae (Samuel) Plum. She grew up attending school in Bussey and graduated from high school with the Class of 1954. On May 29, 1954, she was united in marriage to Doran Haywood at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Lovilia and to this union, 3 children, Mike, Tom, and Karen, were born. Jane and Doran were blessed with 71 years of marriage prior to her passing.
Jane had a big heart and was always willing to help anyone in need. She began her working career at Big Smith overall factory where she sewed hip pockets on putter jeans for Sears and Roebuck. She then went to work as a home health aide, caring for others with compassion. She also worked as a correspondent for the Albia Newspaper and the water billing clerk for the city of Lovilia. Jane went on to spend many years with Head Start, starting out as a cook and custodian and after earning her certification, became a dedicated teacher. Jane took pride in her work and enjoyed staying in touch with many of the students throughout the years.
Jane was devout in her faith and attended St. Peter's Catholic Church in Lovilia in her younger years. She was an election worker and helped work the polls for many years. Jane had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. In her free time, Jane enjoyed doing word searches and crossword puzzles. Above all else, Jane treasured time spent with her friends and family, especially her beloved grandchildren.
Jane is survived by her husband Doran; 3 children, Mike (Melanie) Haywood, Tom (Kelley) Haywood, and Karen (Dennis) Antolik; 10 grandchildren, Eric (Leah) Haywood, Danny Yarkosky, Scott (Mallory) Yarkosky, Kyle Yarkosky, Kacie (Korey Garrels) Yarkosky, Jesse Blevins, Christopher Putnam, Zachary Haywood, Adam (Erica) Antolik, and Ryan (Chelsea) Antolik; 13 great grandchildren; siblings, Mary Plum, Martha Popson, Rose Plum, Joe Plum, and John Plum; and 2 sisters-in-law, Atha VerPloeg and Carolyn Plum. Jane is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.
Jane is preceded in death by her parents, Harlon and Rose Plum; a brother, Jim; 2 sisters, Peggy and Susan; her mother-in-law, Edith Haywood; and 2 brothers-in-law, Floyd VerPloeg and Johnny Popson.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Jane's family present to greet family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Father Isaac Essel officiating. Burial will follow services at Greenlawn Cemetery in Bussey, IA.
A memorial has been established to St. Labre Indian School "For the Kids" in Ashland, Montana.