Jane Alice Arnold

Jane Alice Arnold (Whitmore) died peacefully at home on June 13, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jane's early life was filled with both joy and sorrow. Born at Pennock Hospital to Delbert and Josephine (Smith) Whitmore on January 24, 1937, she was the second oldest of four girls. At the age of 7, she lost her father, and five years later, her mother passed away. This left Jane and her older sister JoBerta to care for their younger sisters at the family home on South Street in Hastings, with help from their Grandma Smith.

Jane attended Central School in Hastings and graduated from Hastings High School at 17. She then enrolled at Barry County Normal School, which trained young men and women to teach in rural schools. At 18, Jane began teaching her first class of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders in the basement of Banfield School. That year became memorable, as she was not much older than some of her students.

In 1956, Jane pursued her Bachelor's degree in Teaching at Western Michigan University. Delton Kellogg hired her to teach in 1958, and she transitioned to the Hastings Area School System in 1959, teaching middle school. In 1963, she met David Arnold, a new teacher at Hastings Middle School. Their connection
blossomed into a romance, and students recognized their relationship even before they did. Jane paused her teaching career when Jeff and Kristen were born, but worked part-time for Michigan State University, supervising student teachers. This position led the family, with newborn Molly, to spend a semester in the Netherlands, where Jane led and guided a group of 20 student teachers while exploring the country.

Upon returning, Jane worked as a substitute teacher in the Hastings Schools and secured a position teaching third grade at Northeastern Elementary in 1985. There, she forged lifelong friendships with the staff and shaped many young minds. Her annual Thanksgiving feast and the tradition of having students write a letter to themselves, which she would mail back to them with $1 when they graduated, stood out as her favorite activities. Jane retired from teaching in 1999
but continued to take great joy in following the accomplishments of her many students. She embodied the spirit of a loyal Saxon for life.

In retirement, Jane and Dave traveled extensively but always returned to Hastings to stay close to family and grandchildren. Jane thrived on involvement in all her grandchildren's activities and cherished their growth and development. She and Dave cheered them on from the sidelines or attended their various performances. The grandchildren loved learning to bake her famous treats, playing dress up, Play-Doh, painting, and participating in her 4th of July water balloon tossing
contest.

Jane held a lifetime membership at the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, where she served in many leadership roles and participated in mission trips to Costa Rica and the jungles of Honduras. A true servant leader, Jane embodied what a Christ-like person is: giving my time and talents by helping others in the community and in the world. "So much has been given to me that I feel I should give in return," as stated by Jane.

Jane is survived by her husband of 60 years, David, and her sisters Delphine Przekop of Grand Rapids and Mary Kate (Mike) Jones of Lexington, North Carolina. She is also survived by her children: Jeffrey (Barbara) Arnold of Hastings, Kristen (Steve) Laubaugh of Hastings, and Molly (Christopher) Formsma of Byron Center; and her eight wonderful grandchildren: Abby (Tyler Benton) and Carley Laubaugh, Jonathan, Elisabeth, and Lauren Arnold, and Natalie, Emmarie, and Kate Formsma.

Family, faith, and relationships with her students defined Jane's life. Remembrances may be made in her honor to the Hastings Public Library to support children's programming or the Hand2Hand Ministry program at First Presbyterian Church of Hastings.

Services for Jane will be held on Saturday, June 22nd at First Presbyterian Church of Hastings. Family will greet people from 9:30-11:30 with the service beginning at 11:30 with a luncheon to follow.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.