Jane Sellers

Loving, generous, and kind, Jane Sellers lived a life rich in family and friends. Jane led with her heart and never hesitated to be of service. She willingly placed others' needs ahead of her own and ensured those she loved were always well cared for. Her family and friends were her heart's delight, and she cherished nothing more than spending time together. Jane always looked good, dressed in carefully coordinated outfits and her make-up on. A beloved wife, mother, grandma, GiGi, and friend, Jane will long be remembered and so dearly missed.

1951 proved a year of increased comforts and exciting new possibilities. While unemployment dropped to 3.3%, the nation additionally celebrated the first direct-dial trans-coastal phone call, easier travel in more comfortable cars and on newly paved interstates, and the premieres of "I Love Lucy," "The Day The Earth Stood Still," and "An American in Paris." Nowhere was the sense of hope for the future more celebrated than in the hearts of William and Charlotte Skinner as they welcomed their daughter Jane to their family on April 4th in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Along with her brothers, Dana and Lawrence, Jane’s childhood and teenage years were divided between Kalamazoo, Arizona and Texas. Her mother managed the home while her step-father, Don, worked construction. Jane enjoyed close family connections, and spent her childhood summers playing outside or enjoying time with her cousins on Gun Lake.

Always a doer who didn't let things get her down, Jane was a natural caregiver. Following her brother Dana’s accident at the age of 18, their mother cared for him for many years and later in life, Jane took over his care until he died at the age of 59. Jane could be relied upon to be there for others and provide support through difficult times.

Naturally outgoing and very sociable, Jane always enjoyed spending time with her friends. In 1977 she met her husband Tom. After bowling in his Friday night league at Airway Lanes, Tom went down to the bar, where he noticed Jane's beautiful smile and white jeans. Instantly attracted, he started a conversation. In little time, the pair were dating and setting their hearts on building a future together.

The happy couple married on December 23, 1978 in Portage, where Tom officially welcomed Jane's nine-year-old, Wendy and four-year-old Christina into his heart. December was always a busy time for the family. Following the ceremony, they quickly shifted to celebrating Christmas and the many family birthdays in December.

Jane was a fun mom. She wanted her girls to find joy and happiness. She was not a strict mom but could be if needed. Wendy and Christina are complete opposites, and Jane encouraged their authenticity and dreams at every turn. She made sure the girls were always well-presented and coordinated and supported them in every way. She was very loving and made a point of always telling them, "I love you."

As a couple, Jane and Tom supported each other and their friendships with others. Jane enjoyed the simple things, like being on the go, eating out for lunch and dinner, and attending MSU games with friends. She was a good cook, but she didn't really enjoy it. The Christmas holidays were always special and a time when Jane's traditional ways shined. She enjoyed baking and teaching her grandkids how to bake all of her favorite things. Because Christina’s birthday was on Christmas, Jane made sure her birthday was special, creating the tradition of eating cake at 6 AM, the exact time Christina was born.

Jane lived most of her adult life in the Kalamazoo and Richland areas and spent the last 15 years at her home in Scotts. She loved Old English Sheepdogs, and for many years, she bred and showed them. It took a tremendous time to groom them, but Jane loved the work. She also enjoyed shopping for clothes and SHOES, driving fast while listening to her favorite songs, and reading crime stories before bed. Jane enjoyed a cold Pepsi, Reese's peanut butter cups, and a margarita when she went out for lunch or dinner with the girls. The girls enjoyed their walks, road trips and simply just spending time together.

Though our days with her were far too few, every moment we shared with Jane is a gift we will long treasure. Jane showed us how to live wholeheartedly, be happy, and find joy in even the simplest things. She greeted each day and every person with her beautiful smile, even as she faced life's greatest challenges. An inspiration to all who were blessed to know her, Jane's legacy of loving kindness will surely shine on in the lives of those she so dearly loved.

Jane E. Sellers, of Scotts, Michigan, age 72, died February 6, 2024, at Rose Arbor Hospice, Kalamazoo. Jane was preceded in death by her parents, William Skinner Jr. and Charlotte Ideus, and brothers, Dana and Lawrence Skinner. Surviving are her husband of 45 years, Thomas Sellers; daughters, Wendy Simonds and Christina (Bryan) Taylor; grandchildren: Amber French, Brian (Kristen) Simonds II, and Grace Taylor; great-grandchildren: Addison, Shayleigh, Dezire, Alex, and Jaxsin; step-father, Donald Ideus and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. Please join us at a Life Story Service on Tuesday (FEB 13) 11 AM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 (269) 375-2900, followed by a reception in the Life Story Center. Burial at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Visit Jane's webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories and photos and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to SPCA of Southwest Michigan.