Jane Ellen Whittington

Jane Ellen Whittington, 58 of Seattle, WA, and formerly of Graytown, OH, went to be with her Savior Jesus on Thursday, January 12, 2006. She was an extremely loving woman who showed much dedication to her children and compassion for many. Jane was born on Christmas Day of 1947 in Fremont, OH, the daughter of Wilbur & Wilma Long. She grew up in Graytown, was a graduate of Harris-Elmore High School and attended Elkhart School of Dentistry. Jane married David Deitzel in 1968 and began life as a football coach’s wife in Wichita, KS. They lived for a short time in Iowa, and then moved to Paulding, OH. David died on April 19, 1978 as the result of an automobile accident, after which, Jane and their children, Joanna, Brice, and Beth moved to Seattle, WA. There she met David Whittington, and they were married in 1980 at Overlake Park Presbyterian Church. Within two years, another daughter, Sarah, was born. Jane was extremely devoted to her children and also to having fun with them. All their friends knew her as a second mom and enjoyed her playful spirit. He children grew up with knowledge of the Lord and were very successful in sports and other activities while attending Bellevue Christian School, and Redmond High School. Jane had already accepted Jesus as her Savior when in the 1980s, she developed a heart for those behind the prison walls, and had a passion to see them set free spiritually, which would serve them well when they later would be set free physically. For over twenty years, she offered hope and encouragement to incarcerated women at the King County Jail, the Washington Correctional Center for Women, and the children at Echo Glen. Jane moved to Arizona to help raise her grandchildren and to be with her son and daughter-in-law for several years, but after being diagnosed with cancer, she returned to Seattle for treatment. She had almost a full year there and was able to have a wonderful time during the summer, going to scenic places in the state with many local friends. She witnessed to all her friends with her steadfast confidence in God. She was a member of several churches including her first home church, Trinity United Church of Christ in Elliston, OH. Jane is survived by her husband Dave; daughters, Joanna and husband Dan, Beth, and Sarah; son, Brice and wife Paige; grandchildren, Zac, Erica, Jacob, and Brett; her mother Wilma, and brother Jim. There is a large missing part in their lives, but they will always treasure the love and fun of knowing Jane. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 21, 2006 at Trinity United Church of Christ, Elliston, with interment to follow in Elliston Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Prisoners for Christ Outreach Ministries, P.O. Box 1530, Woodinville, WA 98072 (www.pfcom.org). Crosser Funeral Home, Oak Harbor is handling arrangements for the family. Funeral Home: Crosser Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Oak Harbor Chapel 301 N. Locust Street Oak Harbor, OH US 43449