Jane Goss, 71 of Decatur passed away at 7:00 a.m.,Wednesday, March 21, 2012 in St. John’s Hospital,Springfield,IL.
Services to celebrate Jane’s life will be held at 12:00 Noon Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt.Zion. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday morning at the funeral home. Jane will be laid to rest following her life celebration services at Florey Cemetery, Long Creek. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the American Diabetes Association or to Richland Community College Foundation. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.
Jane was born September 22, 1940 in Findlay,IL the daughter of Harold E. and Dorothy E. (Lindley) McMillan. She married Donald Wayne Goss on January 16, 1959. In 1972, Jane graduated from Millikin University with a degree in Education. She later went on to obtain a Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois in Human Development Counseling. She initially began her work career with Swartz Restaurant and went on to teach in Elementary Schools in Boody, Blue Mound and WashingtonGrade School. She later worked as a Counselor for Webster Cantrell Hall and at Richland Community College. While at Richland she served as an instructor teaching English as a Second Language, as well as Developmental Reading and Study Skills. Jane also served as a Private In-home Tutor teaching English too many Japanese families. She loved her feline friends and also enjoyed gardening and cooking.
Surviving is her husband Don of Decatur; daughter: Nancy Woolen and her husband Hobie of Edinburg; sons: Mike Goss and his wife Shannon of Argenta and Phil Goss and his wife Theresa of Webster, IA; sister: Marilyn Vineyard and Tom of Kalamazoo, MI; brothers: Harold McMillan and his wife Kathee of Bartlett, TN, Gerald McMillan and his wife Sandy of Albany, IN and Roger McMillan of Decatur; grandchildren: Rebekah Winters and her husband Shawn, Rachel Dicks and her husband Matt, Shannah Goss, Cody Goss, Morgan Goss, T.J. Ledbetter, and Brooke Ledbetter; great-grandchildren: Duncan, Danny, Makenzie, and Joey.
She was preceded in death by her parents and infant sister.
Latest Memories
| Judy Harrington |
high school friend |
March 25, 2012 |
I was so saddened to hear of your loss. My heart and prayers go out to her family. Jane was one of my closest friends during our years at Lakeview High School. We played trombone in the band. She was so much taller than I and people would call us Mutt and Jeff. She was beautiful inside and out. She was a bridesmaid at my wedding. She and Don were married just two weeks after us and I stood up with her at their wedding. We even shared their first apartment together as we were without power during an ice storm in our home. Even though I moved from Decatur to Oklahoma 51 years ago,I would call her and visit with her when I would come back to Decatur to visit my family. I, too, went on to graduate from college and become a teacher. We always had a lot to share in our visits. So many wonderful memories of her.
| Bernice (Harrell) Burch |
Former Student at Blue Mound Grade School |
March 23, 2012 |
I remember Mrs. Goss as a teacher at Blue Mound Grade School. She was actually my brother's teacher and I remember her as being very kind and fun. I never got to meet her as an adult, but I know she enriched so many lives and will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends.
| Brenda Pence |
former student...twice |
March 22, 2012 |
Jane was a teacher at our Grade school in Blue Mound, and then a college instuctor at RCC...
I met her granddaughter, Rachel, who was a daughter in law to me, and who I still love to this day.
Getting to Jane at a personal level was a gift I treasure, and will always be grateful of all the memories.
Latest Condolences
| Cheryl Vemmer Somers |
My sympathy |
March 28, 2012 |
I got to know Jane when I was a lifeguard at the Decatur Surf Club, so well that she and her family attended my wedding Labor Day weekend of 1971. She was such a lovin and fun person. My sincerest sympathy and may all your wonderful memories of her bring you comfort. In my prayers!
| Tim and Tammy Sears |
Very sorry For Your Loss |
March 26, 2012 |
Harold, Kathee and family,
Tim and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy at the loss of your sister, sister-in-law and aunt. We know that the fond memories of all the good times are what will sustain you through this difficult time for you and your family. We will hold you all in our prayers, and are sending you hugs from Memphis! We love you all.
Tim and Tammy Sears
Bartlett TN
| Thomas L. Thompson |
Condolences |
March 24, 2012 |
I am sorry for your loss.
| Karen Becker |
What A Wonderful Counselor, Teacher, and Colleague |
March 24, 2012 |
Jane was a particular asset to Richland. She cared deeply about students. She was always kind. And, as a colleague she was always upbeat. I have missed her so much since she retired. I will never forget her laugh. Family and Friends of Jane, may your memory of all the happiness she brought to you sustain you at this difficult time.
| Margaret Nevius |
Ms. |
March 23, 2012 |
Dear Phil and Family,
Our condolences on the passing of your mother. Though I never met your Mom, I heard so much about her over the years. Theresa told me a lot about Jane and thought the world of her. You were all lucky to have such a wonderful woman in your lives. She was a strong person, who obviously touched the hearts and lives of many people through her work. I'm sure you are all proud of her, but I'm equally sure she is looking down upon all of you with pride and great love. You are in my thoughts and prayers, with hopes that your memories of your mother will bring you comfort. With our love and condolences,
Margaret and Family
