WICHITA, Kan. – On Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022, Linda Jane “Jane” Lane, loving wife and mother of three, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 80. Jane was born May 14, 1942, in Topeka, Kan., to Fred and Elva (Dorman) Smith.
She was raised outside of Burlingame, Kan., on a farm where she had the best of childhoods. She helped by herding the milk cows on Trigger, her best friend, who happened to be a horse. Jane and Trigger’s favorite trick was galloping while Jane balanced standing on Trigger’s bare back, her toes dug in, her hair streaming back, holding onto the reins.
After graduating from Burlingame High School in 1960, Jane attended Emporia State University.
In 1962, Jane married Thomas Martin Lane, of Osage City, Kan. Although they divorced later, Jane and Tom had three beautiful and talented children, who were all raised in Osage County. Secondary to motherhood, but important in Jane’s life was her 36-year banking career, beginning at the First State Bank of Burlingame.
Jane radiated love through her beautiful and infectious smile. She showed genuine interest in everyone she met. It was important to Jane that her family and friends were always comfortable, happy, and cared for at all times. She loved to laugh, had a great sense of humor, and was always up for a fun adventure. Jane’s main focus in her life was her family, as she was happiest when involved with and surrounded by them. She also developed a passion for golf, which provided her with a challenge, competition, and the perfect outdoor setting to have fun with friends.
In 2019, Jane married the love of her life, David Fowler, in Wichita, Kan. They shared good times, many laughs, and a passion for golf and family.
Jane was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Smith.
She is survived by her husband, David; sister, Karen Kukuk, of San Diego, Calif.; daughter, Audrey (Mike) Bartee, Osage City; son, John (Brandy) Lane, Wichita; son, Martin (Suzanne) Lane, Topeka; and seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by David’s family of three children, 17 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and one great-grandchild on the way.
A private, graveside service will be Nov. 19, 2022. A public celebration of life will be 12 p.m. Nov. 19, at the Osage County Senior Center, 604 Market St., Osage City.
A Jane Lane-Fowler Golf Memorial to benefit Jane and David’s favorite golf course has been established in Jane’s honor. Memorial contributions can be sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451. Condolences can be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com.
The family of Jane Lane-Fowler wishes to send their most sincere gratitude for all the love and support given to Jane and the family during this time.
