Jane Winder

Jane Lucille Cale Winder

January 25, 1939 – July 4th, 2024

On the morning of July 4th, 2024, Jane Winder passed away peacefully in hospice care at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana due to complications arising from a motor vehicle accident and underlying health conditions. She was surrounded by loved ones up until her final moments. Jane was 85 years old.

Jane was born on January 25, 1939, in Hartford City, Indiana, the only child of Lester Howard and Vivian Lucille Cale. Her journey began amidst the close-knit community of Hartford City, where she first met her future husband, Gary Winder, during their preschool years at the Helen Lieber School.

A dedicated community member from a young age, Jane's early pursuits included working at the Hartford City News Times during high school while also finding time for piano and dance lessons. Her charisma shone through as she was crowned the Hartford City Airedales' prom queen. After graduating from Indiana University in 1961 with a Bachelor's Degree in elementary education, she furthered her academic achievements with a Master's Degree in education from Ball State University in 1967. Jane's passion for teaching led her to become an elementary school educator in the Blackford County school system from 1961 to 1995, including a hiatus of several years to start up and run a pre-school program, in partnership with Taylor University. Many of her former elementary school students have referred to Mrs. Winder as their “favorite teacher”.

Jane married Gary Winder, on January 21, 1961, at Grace United Methodist Church. Soon after their marriage, Jane and Gary began their family. The couple raised their two children, Bruce and Marti, in Hartford City. Bruce followed in his father's footsteps by joining the military after graduation, serving in the Air Force, stationed overseas and on the west coast. After retirement, Bruce began a second career at Boeing Global Services in Alaska. Meanwhile, Marti, being a teacher's daughter, developed a love for learning that eventually led her to establish a business in the healthcare industry, located in North Carolina. This all provided Jane and Gary with unique opportunities to travel and explore the United States and Europe while visiting friends and relatives along the way.

Over the years, family gatherings filled the Winder household, creating cherished memories. The Cale cousins stayed close, and met up yearly in and around Indiana for lively reunions. The Winder family adventures ranged from camping expeditions with close friends to several road trips, including a visit to the newly opened Walt Disney World in Orlando.

Jane's life was marked by her unwavering dedication to advocating for children's wellbeing, education, and safety. Her philanthropic endeavors included mentoring children within the community, active participation in various organizations such as the Blackford County Historical Society, Grace Methodist Church, Blackford County Hospital Auxiliary, Research Club, and Friends of the Library. Additionally, she started up and led the Safety Town preschool program in Hartford City for several years, leaving a lasting impact on the community she held dear.

An independent thinker with a gentle demeaner and unending patience, Jane was a loyal friend to many, a loving mother, grandmother, cousin, and aunt. She was a competitive board and card game player, the master of hair braiding, and the giver of unique gifts. The mention of her grandchildren and great grandchildren always brought a smile to her face. Jane was a skilled caregiver to her husband Gary, and loved him for better or worse, in sickness and in health.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents Lester and Vivian Cale and her husband of sixty-three years, Gary Winder. She is survived by her son Bruce Winder, daughter Marti (Tim) Brookie, grandchildren Chelsea (Paul) Aamold, Madelyn (Wyatt) Shults, Cale Winder, Amanda (Luke) McDonald, Monica Brookie, great grandchildren Roxann and Annie Perez, Charlotte Aamold, Willow Shults, and Emerson McDonald.

A celebration of Jane Winder's life will be held at Grace Methodist Church at 312 W Washington St, Hartford City, IN on August 3rd at 10:30 am, followed by a luncheon in Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an organization dear to Jane's heart, such as Kids Hope USA https://kidshopeusa.org/donate/, Grace Methodist church, or the Blackford County Historical Society: 321 N. High St, Hartford City, IN 47348

The family expresses gratitude to the supportive community of Hartford City and the medical professionals who provided care for Jane. Jane Winder's memory will continue to inspire kindness and generosity in the hearts of those she touched.

Matthew 19:14 - Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

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