Mary Jane Van Eaton
- Published: June 12, 2008
Mary Jane Van Eaton, formerly of Xenia, died June 4, at Friends Care Center, in Yellow Springs. She was 85.
She born in Sylvania, Ohio, on May 16, 1923, to John “Jack” and Isabel (Dean) Velzy. She was a graduate of Bath High School in Fairborn and attended college at Ohio State University in Columbus.
Mary Jane was a homemaker, mother and dedicated army officer’s wife; she hosted various functions at many army posts, and held multiple positions within the Officers Wives’ Club. She was active in the Girl Scouts of America, the Psychotronics Association, an avid gardener, exceptional seamstress, and extraordinary cook; and a member of the Memorial United Presbyterian Church, Xenia.
Known as Grandma Jane by her grandchildren, she had a large and lasting impact in their lives, helping to raise several of them.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Colonel (Ret.) John Van Eaton; her father and mother, Jack and Isabel Velzy of Sarasota, Fla.; and sister, Elaine Gardner.
She is survived by her daughters, Marilyn Van Eaton of Yellow Springs, Jeanie Charfen and husband, Gustavo, of Ladera Ranch, Calif., Melanie Taylor of Yellow Springs, and Michele Bauer and her husband, Ron, of Centerville; nine grand children, Mysara Wujnovich, Zo Van Eaton, Alex Charfen, Dr. Michelle Charfen-Horvath, Melissa Charfen, Vanessa Charfen, Forest Taylor, L. Thomas Wynn and Eric Bauer; and seven great-grand children.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m, Saturday, July 5, at Memorial United Presbyterian Church, 343 West Ankeney Mill Road, Xenia, (937) 376-9461, with Pastor Wayne McLaughlin officiating. Friends may gather with family after the service at the church. Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 1041 South Patterson Blvd., Dayton, OH 45402 or Crossroads Hospice, 8087 Washington Village Drive, Dayton, OH 45458.
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