Jane Lea Freeman Steward, 68, of Worthington, Indiana, died Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, holding the hand of her loving husband.
Jane was born April 10, 1956, to Harry L. Freeman. He preceded her in death.
Jane graduated from Worthington-Jefferson High School in 1974. Her passion for sewing, nurtured in 4-H and home economics classes, became a hallmark of her life. She used those sewing skills to create new outfits for date nights with her high school sweetheart Michael. Jane continued to sew quilts for all her kids and grandbabies. Jane’s commitment to helping others was evident through her sewing group, which made blankets for those in need, dolls for Riley Hospital, and masks and walker bags for local nursing homes. She was also an active member of the Worthington Rug Hookers Club.
Throughout her life, Jane embraced a variety of jobs, from a nurses’ aide at Good Samaritan Hospital to a beauty stylist in her home while raising her children, and eventually moving her booth to Billie’s Style Shop and Fantastic Sam’s. She co-founded Morning Glory Antiques with her friend Jan Strickler and worked alongside her husband at the 67 Inn Motel and Select Insurance Services.
She was also involved in her community. This year marked her 50th year of Tri Kappa. She was a past director of the food pantry at the Son Shine Shop and a volunteer with IU Health Hospice. She’s also held a blood drive annually since 2007 and worked with the Worthington Fire Territory with their annual Keep the Kids Warm fundraiser. Jane loved to shop and always looked forward to purchasing coats and shoes for the youth at Worthington Elementary.
Jane was also a member of First United Methodist Church Bloomington, United Methodist Women, the American Legion and VFW Women’s Auxiliaries.
Nothing brought Jane greater joy than her family and it all started when she married her high school sweetheart and soulmate, Michael, on Sept. 6, 1974. Together, they raised three children: Amanda Steward-Phegley (Jason), Rachael Leach (Erin Blaydes), and Kyle Steward (Alison). Jane delighted in her role as a grandmother to Hannah Phegley, Mallory and Macy Leach, Eli, Hank, Isla, and Abe Steward, and Drake and Drew Blaydes. Her love for her grandbabies was boundless, and she often reminded them by telling them how she loved them to the moon and back.
Jane was preceded in death by her father Harry Freeman, brother Floyd Freeman, infant sister Sarah Freeman, sister-in-law Teresa Freeman, sister-in-law Marsha Steward, and brother-in-law Mark Steward. She is survived by her loving husband Michael, her children, her grandchildren, and her brother Rusty Freeman.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to IU Health Hospice, particularly Jared, Cora, and Seth, for the comfort and support they provided during Jane’s final days.
In lieu of flowers Jane asked that donations be made to Erin’s Purpose, 550 W. Spring Street, Bloomfield, IN. Also visit their website at erinspurpose.org
Jane’s legacy of love, generosity, and service will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Funeral services will be at noon Thursday, Aug. 29 at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home, 23 S. Jefferson St., Worthington, IN 47471. Reverend Mel Camp will officiate. Burial will follow in Worthington Cemetery.
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28 and again at 10 a.m. until time of service on Thursday, all at the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.welchcornett.com.
