Jane Ann "Matthews" Meltabarger

Jane Ann "Janie" Meltabarger, age 78, passed away on February 13, 2026, following a sudden illness.

Janie was born on July 23, 1947, in Springfield, Missouri to Clifford and Inez Matthews. She spent most of her life in Springfield, a community she cherished deeply. She attended Central High School and later pursued her passion for nursing at Burge School of Nursing. Janie loved her time working at Cox North Hospital, which played a meaningful role in her life. Throughout the years, she held various positions that allowed her to meet and connect with many wonderful people.

Janie found joy in life's simple pleasures. She enjoyed sipping coffee while listening to Elvis Presley, hunting for treasures at garage sales, and always searching for a good bargain. In recent years, she discovered a love for online sales and auction sites, forming new friendships that she looked forward to nurturing each week. Janie was happiest when surrounded by fun, outgoing people and the laughter of those she loved.

Family was the center of Janie's world. She not only devoted her life to caring for her children, but also instilled in them the enduring values of family, dedication, and hard work-lessons they will carry with them always.

She is survived by her five children, Don Trotter and wife, Jennifer of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Dana Lester of Weirsdale, Florida, James Lester of Springfield, Missouri, April Thompson and husband, Jack of Springfield, Missouri, and Chris Meltabarger of Springfield, Missouri. Janie dedicated her life to her youngest son, Chris, who was born with special needs. He was the light of her life, and she lovingly cared for him until her passing.

She also leaves behind ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, each of whom she loved deeply and treasured every moment spent together. Janie is further survived by extended family members and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Inez Matthews.

A memorial service celebrating Janie's life will be held on Thursday, February 19, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Homes at White Chapel Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and share in celebrating the adventures and memories of her life.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with service expenses and the placement of a memorial bench at White Chapel Cemetery.

"Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure."

T his Is Not Goodbye

I did not want to leave you

It was just my time to go

I know your heart is breaking

So, I need to let you know

That although you can no longer see me

I'll be forever by your side

I promise time will numb the pain

And help dry the tears you've cried

You can reach me in your memories

Just think of me, I will be there

In your dreams, we can visit yesteryear

Where we didn't have a care

Please carry on and live your life

I beg of you to try

Just know we'll meet again one day

As this is not goodbye

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