Jane Ellen Vawter

Jane was born on September 19, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, the younger daughter of Earl and Luella Overton. She was a graduate of Austin High School in Chicago and for several years took evening classes at Butler University in her adopted home city of Indianapolis. She worked for decades in the insurance and real estate industries, as an adjuster at Hanna & Associates and concluding her career supporting agents at the F.C. Tucker Company. She volunteered at the Assistance League of Indianapolis, where she served as President; and was an active member of Hillcrest Country Club for more than 45 years. She loved Frank Sinatra, the Colts, and a well-chilled glass (or two) of Chardonnay.

In her spare time, she raised six children, became a world-class cook and hostess, and traveled the world with the love of her life, her husband Spencer.

How did she do it? In a word: organization. Jane never met a person, a kitchen drawer, a linen closet, a family vacation, or a campsite she couldn’t streamline, straighten up and straighten out. Her energy and can-do attitude seemed endless to everyone in her orbit. And as anyone who was close to her (in real life and/or Facebook) can attest, she never missed a birthday or an anniversary. In short, if Jane set her mind to do something, it got done, and done exceedingly well.

We are all better, and better loved people, for having known Jane. And much, much better organized.

Jane is survived by her husband, Spencer; sister Carol Rhodes; sons Michael Lemke (Lori); David Vawter (Eve); Douglas Lemke (Karen); Daniel Vawter (Korena); Christopher Lemke (Stephanie); daughter Rebecca Vawter Herren (Chris); 19 delightful and well-behaved grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service for Jane will begin at 2:00pm on Saturday, October 7th at St. Luke's United Methodist Church located at 100 West 86th Street in Indianapolis. A celebration of life and reception will follow at Hillcrest Country Club from 4pm-6pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Assistance League of Indianapolis, 1475 W 86th St E, Indianapolis, IN 46260.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.feeneyhornakkeystone.com for the Vawter family.