Jane Petty

Jane O. Petty, 93, of Wilmington, died peacefully on Friday, Dec. 13, 2013. She went home to be with the Lord.

Born in West Lafayette, Ind., on July 27, 1920, Jane was one of six children of the late Bernice and Ward Ostrander. She grew up in Indiana and was a Purdue Boilermaker until the day she died. She graduated from Purdue University in 1942. Following graduation from Purdue, Jane became a flight attendant for American Airlines.

Jane married the love of her life, John, on May 6, 1943.

During Jane's lifetime, she was a teacher with Wilmington City Schools for 25 years and a volunteer at Clinton Memorial Hospital for 30 years. Jane's interests were family first; but she also enjoyed golfing, swimming, bowling and cheering for her children's sports teams. She spent many years teaching the community to swim at JR Pool, Clinton Swim & Tennis Club, and Wilmington College.

She was a devoted member of both Wilmington United Methodist Church and The English Club. She lived by the life quote "… if life throws you a lemon – make lemonade." NOTHING slowed or got her down – ever!

Jane loved Scottie dogs! She loved teaching and laughing with kids! She loved to go to Bengal games! She loved traveling! In addition, she loved life and shared that love with many. She was known for her zest for life and the love of learning, loyalty, friendliness, and a good sense of humor.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents, Bernice and Ward Ostrander; her sister, Ann Dawson and brothers, Reed, Max, and Dale Ostrander.

She is survived by her daughters, Diane and husband Ken Byers, Dale and husband Roger Schultz, and Denise Petty; sons, John and wife Pam Petty and Duane and wife Fiffy Petty; a brother, Dean and wife Carol Ostrander; sisters-in-law, Gay Ostrander, Pat Gerdes and Susan O'Laughlin; grandchildren, Kristi and husband Brantley Dreisbach, Brandon and wife Melissa Byers, Brian Fuller, Denise and husband Patrick Leonard, Adam and wife Kristin Petty, Rachel and husband Steve Dobyns, Jared and wife Jackie Petty, Jason and wife Kim Petty, Michael Petty, Erin and husband Daniel Collins; great-grandchildren, Kelsie, Kenzie, Calder and one-on-the-way Dreisbach, Brayden Byers, Hudson and Quinn Leonard, Madison, Jordyn and Avery Petty, Brooklyn, Drew and Nate Dobyns, Isaiah, Luke and Jake Petty, and Leighton and Kellen Petty; kitty Jaz-E; and numerous special nephews and nieces.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Wilmington on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, at 2 p.m., with a reception to follow. Please come and help us celebrate her vibrant life.

Jane was a blessing we will forever hold in our hearts. "I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 3:1 (NIV)

In lieu of flowers, she would be pleased if remembrances are made to Clinton Memorial Hospital Foundation, Wilmington City Schools Athletics, or the Wilmington United Methodist Church.

The Reynolds-Smith Funeral Home in Wilmington is serving the family.

For more information or to sign an online registry of condolences, please visit www.smithandsonfuneralhomes.com.