Jane Emley

W. Jane Emley, of Bagley, died May 25 in Ankeny at the age of 90.

A service of remembrance was held June 3 at Central Christian Church in Jefferson, with words of comfort by Pastor Sheldon Henderson.

Congregational hymns included “Living for Jesus” and “Because He Lives,” with accompanist Pat Emley.

Honorary bearers were William Emley, Brent Emley, Bob Emley and Spencer Emley.   

Casket bearers were Troy Emley, Nolan Emley, Eric Emley and Alex Emley.

Interment was in the Dodge Twp. Cemetery, Bagley.

W. Jane Emley was born on Dec. 6, 1928, the daughter of William A. Klinzman and Ferne I. (Bacon) Klinzman.  Jane lived most of her life in Bagley, graduating from Bagley Public School in 1946. She was a member of the Bagley Church of Christ, and was devoted to her husband and children.

On Feb. 16, 1947, Jane was united in marriage with Ross M. Emley, of Bagley. Ross was engaged in farming and they made their first home on a farm west of Bagley. To this union were born three sons:  William E., Brent E. and Bob R. 

When Ross and Jane gave up farming, they moved into Bagley and lived at the Bagley Telephone Office. Jane was the friendly switchboard operator — “Number please” — connecting callers.

Jane enjoyed all of her activities with the church, teaching Sunday school and as an officer of the Women’s Council. Jane and Ross were members of the organizing committee for the church’s 100th anniversary. She was also involved with the Cub Scouts as a den mother.

Jane and Ross were caught up in the camping bug, spending several weekend outings at Springbrook and other state parks with longtime friends Clint and Arlene Morris and Ival and Zona Belle Carroll.  They towed the camper to several locations in the western states for vacations.

After the three boys had graduated from high school, Jane obtained employment with the Guthrie County Hospital. She attended training at Iowa State University and became a dietary manager during her tenure. Jane retired on Aug. 2, 1989, after 18 years of service to the hospital.

Jane and Ross were active in planning and celebrating Bagley’s centennial in 1982.  The theme for the centennial was “Balloons Over Bagley.” Jane helped with the church activities and participated in the community choir.

Jane and Ross celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997. For the special occasion, the three boys sent them on an Amtrak Train excursion to Los Angeles, Portland, Ore., and back. The trip was very memorable.

In March of 2000, Jane had the pleasure of visiting Bob and his family in Kofu, Japan. She spent several wonderful days visiting the sites and experiencing the culture of Japan.

After Ross passed away in 2006, Jane went on a cruise with her sister, Zelma, from Florida, through the Panama Canal, to Los Angeles. The two sisters had a wonderful time together.

Jane moved from Bagley to Jefferson in 2009. In 2018, with her health beginning to fail, she moved to the Mill Pond Presbyterian Assisted Living Home in Ankeny. With more health issues, she moved into the Gables Nursing Center at Mill Pond where she remained until her death.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, two sisters and a brother. 

Survivors include her three sons: William (Pat), Brent and Bob (Luann); three grandsons:  Troy (Jordan), Eric (Julia) and Alex (Becky); seven great-grandchildren: Nolan, Elizabeth, Spencer, Brooklyn, Vivian, Grace and Lillian; plus nieces and nephews. 

Memorials are suggested to Central Christian Church, the Greene County Medical Center or the Bagley Library.  

Services were arranged by the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson.