Jane Ardis Wolfskill Stinson

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and compassionate friend Jane Wolfskill Stinson left this world and its troubles behind in the early hours of Monday, October 11. She takes with her a piece of our hearts and the ever-present comfort of knowing that someone would always be standing in our corner, cheering us on toward joy.

Jane was born on June 16, 1950 in Kansas City, Missouri to Robert and Verda Wolfskill. She and her family moved to Lee’s Summit, Missouri for high school where she enjoyed marching band and pep club, graduating in 1968. She’s the only Beatles fan we know personally who saw the Fab 4 live, which she did in St. Louis in 1966. In the summer of 1973 she went on a blind date with a Texan named Fritz Stinson, who had moved back home after flunking out of UT engineering school for the second time. Jane and Fritz quickly fell in love and were married a few months later, and just celebrated their 47th anniversary on April 6. Jane encouraged and supported Fritz to stay the course in his engineering studies at the University of Texas, and spent the rest of her life supporting and encouraging his success. She did the same with their two children, Morgan and Rachel – both wildly successful humans whom Jane loved, adored, and quite often bragged about (with cause).

She was a caregiver to people in financial distress, an artist with stained glass and cornhusks, a harbor of safety for friends in need, and a playful Gramma – always up for a game or puzzle or art project with her treasured granddaughter, Olivia. Jane had a boundless capacity for empathy, and a keen eye for injustice. During her 17 years with Hill Country Community Ministries she worked patiently and tirelessly to help those in need.

Jane’s spirit will remain strong in those she leaves behind: husband Fritz Stinson; son Morgan Stinson and his wife Terri; daughter Rachel Finehout and her husband Jason; siblings Jerry Wolfskill, Judi Lally, and Jeanne Finley; granddaughter Olivia Stinson; and many nieces and nephews, friends and extended family.

A service of remembrance will be held on Sunday October 17 at 3:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks. We respectfully request that you wear a mask. For those who cannot attend, a livestream will be available; please see the link below. In lieu of flowers, Jane would appreciate it if you would make a donation to one of your local agencies that helps those in need.

Jane would likely not want to depart without leaving some of her favorite poetry in the wake of her exit:

"When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me

Speaking words of wisdom, let it be

And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me

Speaking words of wisdom, let it be…"