M. Jane Davee

A lifelong resident of Columbus who truly loved her hometown, Janie was raised in a very loving family by her parents, Charles and Ruth Davee (deceased). Janie is survived by her husband, Walt Knaepple, her sister, Carol Highsmith (David), Greenville, SC, and her brother Bob Davee (Pam), Portland, OR.

After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue, Janie followed the family tradition of teaching in Crothersville. Shifting gears after one year as a teacher, Janie quickly pursued and received her MBA from IU, entering corporate life in the financial branch of Arvin Industries. Upon leaving Arvin during the early stages of the company’s downsizing, Janie pursued an entrepreneurial lifestyle, applying her MBA and CPA skills she had honed in the corporate world.

During her lifetime Janie was actively involved in the financial aspects of many of the organizations that help make Columbus a desirable place to live, including Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Junior Achievement, Girl Scouts - Belmont Capital Campaign, Mill Race Senior Center, and the Hospice Center of Columbus.

Janie cared deeply for her family and loved following the lives and adventures of her nieces, nephews, and cousins as they evolved from children into successful adults. She also kept up with Walt’s children, Sarah Bloomer, Aberdeen MD, Jeremy Knaepple, Nashville, IN, and Chad Knaepple (Jennifer), Destin FL.

Janie will be remembered in an 11:30 memorial service on Wednesday, November 29th, at Zion Baptist Church, North Vernon. Her wish was for all to be deeply involved with their family, friends, and community, ensuring a positive influence on the world. She also requested that in lieu of flowers a contribution be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, or to your preferred charity. Janie was very proud of her lengthy service on the Hospice Board, alongside the employees and volunteers of Hospice. In her last days, Janie and Walt benefited greatly from the support and services of Our Hospice.

Janie will be greatly missed by many.