Jane Elaine Ridgeway

Jane Elaine Ridgeway, 79, went to be with her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, January 22, at 4:30 PM in her home in LaFontaine, Indiana. She was born in Marion, Indiana on Christmas Day 1946 to Howard and Betty Jane (Hoke) Harper. Jane graduated from Southwood High School in 1964. On February 27, 1966, she married Merlin Ridgeway at LaFontaine Christian Church. They were blessed with three children: Jeff Ridgeway, LaFontaine, IN; Jeni (Bob) Mullett, West Lafayette, IN; and Justin Ridgeway, LaFontaine, IN.

A talented floral designer, Jane owned and operated The Sunshine Shop in LaFontaine in the 1970's and 80's, specializing in wedding planning, gifts, and florals. She sang with The Singing Christians, a group that performed in churches and at special events and recorded two albums. Jane was the LaFontaine Town Clerk before graduating with an accounting degree from Ball State University in 1986, then became an auditor for the state of Indiana. From 1992 till 1997 Jane and her husband Merlin owned and operated Ridgeway Hardware and Home Center on State Rd 15 in LaFontaine. She was elected Wabash County Auditor in 2005 and served in that capacity for two terms.

Jane was a life-time member of LaFontaine Christian Church leading singing and working on committees. Jane never met a stranger. She and Merlin enjoyed transforming her great grandfather's barn into their home which she filled with precious antiques. She loved hosting parties, playing euchre and most of all spending time with her family. She belonged to the LaFontaine Literary Club and was treasurer of the Troyer Memorial Library and LaFontaine History Club. She is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, Merlin; her three children, five grandchildren: Jordan (Lindsey) Ridgeway, Franklin, NC; Brendan Ridgeway, LaFontaine, IN; Anne Ridgeway, Wabash, IN; Bo Mullett, Noblesville, IN; and MaKenzie Mullett, West Lafayette, IN; and sisters Carole Laycock, Hamilton, OH and Lisa Welch, Fishers, IN. She is predeceased by her parents, and her brothers-in-law, Todd Welch and Paul Laycock.

Memorial Services will be 6:30 pm Friday, February 6, 2026 at the LaFontaine Christian Church, with Brad Wright officiating. Family will receive friends from 4:00 until the service time at 6:30 pm. Burial will be at a later date in LaFontaine I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Memorials can be sent to Troyer Memorial Library or LaFontaine Christian Church.