Obituary of Jane Pickett

Jane Suzanne Pickett, age 63, formerly of Olsburg, Kansas, died Sunday, January 17,2021 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan from complications due to Covid-19.   She was born February 28, 1957 in Manhattan KS, the daughter of Delmar and Anna Ruth Pickett. She graduated from Blue Valley High School in 1975 and Kansas State University in 1991 with a degree in Elementary Education.   Jane loved kids. Although she was never blessed with any of her own, she used to say she had many.  Her classrooms were filled with her “kids” when she was a 4th Grade teacher at Northview Elementary, and her home was filled with her nieces and nephews whom she adored.  Jane had an uncanny way of remembering birthdays of each child and many times a card would appear in the mailbox for kids around town to mark their special day.  It was always signed in her unmistakable writing,”Love Jane.” When Jane’s health no longer allowed her to teach, she was still was very active in the activities of the household and could be seen at programs, ballgames, or any school function.  She truly loved each moment spent supporting each of them in their endeavors.   Jane loved her flowers.  She loved the feel of dirt on her hands and the beautiful blooms that would result from her efforts.  Whenever she was in a place with a yard or where she could put in a bulb, she would grab a shovel and start planting.  When her health failed even further and she was no longer able to live on her own, she moved into Via Christi Village where she still had her windowsill filled with potted blooms. Flowers brought her joy. Jane was a survivor.  She battled through many years of health issues that resulted in an array of surgeries and hospital stays, but through it all she always came out on top.  Jane had a strong faith that allowed her to see her struggles as “just little bumps” and believed in the power of prayer. She was preceded in death by her mother, Anna Ruth Pickett; brothers Del Pickett and Kenny Pickett and niece Shandi Pickett. Survivors include her father, Delmar Pickett of Westmoreland: a sister, JoAnne Norman and husband Bob of Randolph; a brother, John Pickett and wife Holly of Paxico; and sister-in-law Nancy Pickett of Wichita.  She is also survived by her nieces and nephews; Brandon McVey (Kelsey), Jessica McVey (Dakota), Brittany McVey, Kelson McVey, Chauna Flores (Mike), Randall Pickett (Christine), Shelli Pickett, Amy Pickett, Chris & Brian Knoll, Lennie & Amy Eberline, Crystal Pickett, Michael Pickett, Katie Pickett and Matthew Pickett.  And her “Greats”, Hunter and Kenzley.  Cremation is planned with services to be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Jane’s memory to Olsburg Community Pride to benefit beautifications projects around the city.  They can be left in care of the Union State Bank, PO Box 67, Olsburg KS 66520 or the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.