Services were held June 3 at Central Christian Church in Jefferson for W. Jane Emley, 90, of Ankeny, formerly of Bagley and Jefferson.
Pastor Sheldon Henderson offered words of comfort. Pat Emley accompanied congregational singing. Honorary bearers wee William Emley, Brent Emley, Bob Emley and Spencer Emley.
Casket bearers were Troy Emley, Nolan Emley, Eric Emley and Alex Emley. A private interment was done at the Dodge Township Cemetery in Bagley.
W. Jane Emley was born on December 6, 1928, the daughter of William A. Klinzman and Ferne I. (Bacon) Klinzman. Jane lived most of her life at Bagley, graduating from Bagley Public School in 1946, as a member of the Bagley Church of Christ, and devoted to her husband and children.
On February 16, 1947, Jane was united in marriage with Ross M. Emley of Bagley. Ross was engaged in farming and they made their first home on a farm west of Bagley. To this union were born three sons: William E, Brent E. and Bob R.
When Ross and Jane gave up farming, they moved into Bagley and lived at the Bagley Telephone Office. Jane was the friendly switchboard operator – “Number Please”, connecting callers.
Jane enjoyed all of her activities with the church, teaching Sunday school and as an officer of the Women’s Council. Jane and Ross were members of the organizing committee for the church’s 100th anniversary. She was also involved with the Cub Scouts as a den mother.
Jane and Ross were caught up in the camping bug, spending several weekend outings at Springbrook and other state parks with longtime friends, Clint and Arlene Morris and Ival and Zona Belle Carroll. They towed the camper to several locations in the western states for vacations.
After the three boys had graduated from high school, Jane obtained employment with the Guthrie County Hospital. She attended training at Iowa State University and became a dietary manager during her tenure. Jane retired on August 2, 1989, after 18 years of service to the hospital.
Jane and Ross were active in planning and celebrating Bagley’s Centennial in 1982. The theme for the centennial was “Balloons Over Bagley”. Jane helped with the church activities and participated in the community choir.
Jane and Ross celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997. For the special occasion, the three boys sent them on an Amtrak Train excursion to Los Angeles, CA, Portland, OR and back. The trip was very memorable.
In March of 2000, Jane had the pleasure of visiting Bob and his family in Kofu, Japan. She spent several wonderful days visiting the sites and experiencing the culture of Japan.
After Ross passed away in 2006, Jane went on a cruise with her sister Zelma, from Florida, through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles. The two sisters had a wonderful time together.
Jane moved from Bagley to Jefferson in 2009. In 2018, with her health beginning to fail, she moved to the Mill Pond Presbyterian Assisted Living Home in Ankeny. With more health issues, she moved into the Gables Nursing Center at Mill Pond where she remained until her death on May 25, 2019. She was 90 years of age.
Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, two sisters and a brother. Survivors include her sons William (Pat), Brent, and Bob (Luann); grandsonsTroy (Jordan), Eric (Julia) and Alex (Becky); great-grandchildren Nolan, Elizabeth, Spencer, Brooklyn, Vivian, Grace and Lillian; plus nieces and nephews.
Memorials are suggested to Central Christian Church, Greene County Medical Center, or the Bagley Library. Services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson.
