Jane W. Church

Jane W. Church, age 76 died September 1, 2024 in Reflections Memory Care in Battle Creek.

Jane was born March 13, 1948 in Battle Creek, the daughter of Nathaniel Watkin, Jr and C. Jean Watkin (Straub). She graduated from Lakeview High School in 1966 and Michigan State University in 1971 with a degree in elementary education. She taught for five years in the Battle Creek public schools. Her real passion in education came many years later when she began teaching adult education in the Lakeview Public Schools. After completing her Masters at Michigan State she became the program director which was very fulfilling for her.

She married David F. Church in Battle Creek in 1972. He survives.

Jane was a very active golfer and card player at the Battle Creek Country Club where she once served as president of the Ladies' Organization. She was also a member of the Battle Creek Women's Social Club and a former member of the board of the Junior League of Battle Creek.

She is survived by a daughter, Emily (Christopher) Figenshau of Jackson Hole, Wyoming and a son, John of Littleton, Colorado; two grandchildren, Jimi and Winnie; and a sister, Maggie Campbell of Battle Creek and a brother, Nathaniel Watkin III of Boca Raton, Florida.

Cremation has taken place and a private burial will occur. Jane's friends are cordially invited to attend a casual reception at the Battle Creek Country Club on Wednesday, September 11th from 4:00 to 7:00 to celebrate her life. Please do not send flowers.  

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, Battle Creek. Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Jane may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

The family created a beautiful slideshow of memories and it may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/1008923294