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Obituary of Jane Challacombe

Edwards – Jane Challacombe, 82, of Edwards, died at 5:06 am Saturday, February 16, 2008, at Proctor Hospital in Peoria. 

She was born September 14, 1925, in Mercer County, IL, the daughter of Fred and Mary Morrow Parkinson.  She married Walter J. “Walt” Challacombe on February 15, 1948, in Dunlap.  He died on December 24, 1986, in Pittsburgh, PA. 

Surviving are two daughters, Joy (and Kevin) Pautler and Jill (and Vern) Schlosser, both of Edwards; two brothers, Rex (and Shirley) Parkinson of Decatur and Stuart (and Phyllis) Parkinson of Springfield; three grandchildren, Patrick Pautler, Jeri Pautler, and Cole Rickey; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, and grandson Dusty Pautler in 1991.

Jane graduated from Dunlap High School in 1943 and received its Distinguished Alumni Award in 2002. 

She first worked as an artist at Keenan’s Sporting Goods in Peoria.  She then opened Jane’s Lettering in 1954 and was active in the business for 50 years.  She lettered everything from high school letterman jackets to pick-up trucks, horse blankets, and the eagle on the gymnasium floor at the original Dunlap High School.  At one time she lettered the awards for over 40 schools.

Jane was a charter member of Prospect United Methodist Church in Dunlap and served in various capacities.  She was a member of the Belles of Harmony for 30 years and was well known for emceeing all shows and performances.  She received the Belle of the Year Award in 1979.  She was a member of the Belle-Aires Quartet for 25 years, performing all over the United States.  Jane was superintendent of the Food Department of the Heart of Illinois Fair for 50 years.  She was a member of the Radnor Grange for 50 years and a volunteer for the Proctor Hospital Service League.  Jane was a Lady of St. Jude for 15 years and volunteered in many capacities, including its annual telethon.  She was a member of the Wilder-Waite School District Board of Education for 15 years and served as its secretary.  She was treasurer of the Dunlap Unit School District for 4 years.  Jane bowled in numerous Peoria area bowling leagues and was a softball pitcher for the Rural Youth League.  In 1957 she and her husband were the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Couple of the Year.  She was the first Golden Girl of Dunlap Days.

Cremation has been accorded.  Services will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, February 20, 2008, at Prospect United Methodist Church, 300 East Ash, Dunlap, Rev. Mary Kathryn Pearce officiating.  Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, February 19, at the church.  Private burial will be at a later date at Swan Lake Memory Gardens, Peoria.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Memphis to Peoria Runners, 4722 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL  61604.

Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home, Princeville, is in charge of arrangements. 

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