Martha "Jane" Garvin

Martha “Jane” Garvin, 86, of Owensboro passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Wellington Parc Nursing and Rehabilitation. The Franklin, KY native was born July 1, 1939, to the late Vernon Biancy Gammon and Etta Reed Farmer Gammon. Jane bravely battled Parkinson’s disease and dementia during the last five years of her life. Even when words were difficult, Jane never failed to express the most important ones—“I love you”—especially when surrounded by those she held dear.

Jane was a dedicated registered nurse whose career spanned nearly five decades. She graduated from Norton Memorial Infirmary School of Nursing in 1960 and went on to serve patients in hospitals in Lexington, Kentucky, and Owensboro, Kentucky. Her nursing work included doctors’ offices, emergency rooms, and most notably labor and delivery, where she played a meaningful role in welcoming countless babies into the world. Passionate about education Jane also helped start and teach childbirth and sibling classes, sharing her knowledge and calm guidance with generations of parents and families. She remained committed to nursing until her retirement in 2008. Beyond nursing, Jane was a successful businesswoman who owned and operated her own real estate company. Another reflection of her independent spirit and unwavering determination. She had a true passion for antiques, auctions, and collectibles, always on the hunt for unique and meaningful treasures. It was through this shared love that she met Ray, and together they built a life centered around antiques, faithful church volunteering, and community. She also enjoyed garden club and women’s club gatherings and never passed up a good shopping trip. Known for her bold fashion choices and unmistakable love for jewelry, Jane expressed herself with style and confidence, always true to who she was. Above all else, Jane will be remembered as a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her presence will be profoundly missed, but her strength and spirit will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents, Jane was also preceded in death by her sister, Anna Margaret Mayes.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Ray Garvin; daughter, Quienetta Klutts (Craig) of Bowling Green; son, Ken McDonald (Jeanna) of LaGrange; four stepsons, Steven Garvin (Kim) and Jeff Garvin (Julie) both of Owensboro, Todd Garvin (Tabby) of Richmond and Gary Garvin (Dawn) of Cincinnati; two granddaughters, Keeley and Bailey Klutts; 13 step-grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am Friday, January 30 with same day visitation from 9:00 am until the time of service at Immaculate Catholic Church.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Hospice and Palliative Care of W. Kentucky, 3400 Wathen’s Crossing Owensboro, KY 42301.

Condolences and memories for Jane’s family may be left at www.glenncares.com.