Jane Ann Merritt, 78, rural Thayer, died Friday, June 18, 2010 at the Galichia Heart Hospital in Wichita. For the last 15 years, with the help of a great many dedicated health care personnel, she had prevailed over numerous serious medical problems.

Jane was born in Topeka on June 15, 1932, the daughter of Charles and Cuba Jane Russum Wells. She grew up in Tennessee and graduated from the University of Tennessee where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi female fraternity. For five years before her marriage she taught high school biology and chemistry in Chattanooga, Tenn.

On August 8, 1959, Jane married Robert L. Merritt in Signal Mountain, Tenn. His service in the U.S. Navy took them to many duty stations in Arizona, California, Florida, Washington D.C., Maryland and England.

She was a spinner and weaver and enjoyed all aspects of nature, especially plants, flowers, and her beloved pets.

Jane was a member of the Church of the Ascension in Neodesha, and formerly a member of the Grace Episcopal Church of Chanute.

She is survived by her husband, Robert, of the home; a son, William S. Merritt, California, Md.; a daughter, Nancy J. Simmons, Chanute; a grandson, Jarrett L. Kitch, Fort Worth, Tevas; a granddaughter, Dana A. Kitch, Chanute; and stepgrandchildren Brandon Simmons, Jeremey Simmons and Adrienne Vanlandingham.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a son David R. Merritt.

Funeral will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 23, at the Grace Episcopal Church in Chanute. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Friends may call after 1 p.m. today at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel in Chanute, where the family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m.

Memorials in her name may be made to the Grace Episcopal Church of Chanute or the Church of The Ascension in Neodesha and may be left with the funeral home.

“To leave a special message for the family on-line, visit www.PenwellGabelChanute.com”