Jane Ann Rager

Jane Ann Rager, 94, of Elgin, IL peacefully went home to Heaven on Friday, February 11, 2022, at Highland Oaks of Elgin, in Elgin, IL. Jane was born on July 15, 1927, in Elgin, IL, the daughter of Carl and Beatrice (nee. Dedick) Rippberger. She was united in marriage to James Joseph Rager, on June 22, 1946, in Elgin, IL.

Jane attended Elgin High School graduating in 1945 and spent a year at NIU before marrying her high school sweetheart. She worked at the Elgin Watch Factory and D C Cook Publishing and in September of 1949, she attended the Art Institute of Chicago to explore her passion for drawing and painting.

Family was very important to Jane, she enjoyed vacations and get togethers with her daughters and their families. She loved to travel out west to the Dakotas and the Grand Tetons in Wyoming where she could horseback ride and hike. Using the Rand McNally map, she planned each trip detailing the mileage and historical markers, recording places worth returning to, especially where to get a good bite to eat.

Reading a good book or going to the library were her favorite indoor past times. Jane also had a special interest in Native American history and appreciated visiting Indian reservations to attend ceremonial dances. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School and helping run the Pioneer Girl Program at the Elgin Bible Church. Jane had a special love for nature and animals. She never met a dog, cat, or horse she did not like and vice versa.

Music was special to Jane. She enjoyed listening to the old hymns and singing along with the songs she knew. She never forgot the words to “You are my sunshine” which was her and Jim’s special favorite song.

Jane was an extraordinary woman whose sweet smile could brighten any day and whose gentle spirit could calm those who brought her their problems. She always made time to listen and kept her promises to pray. There was a special place in her heart for her sons-in-law who she recognized and responded to even towards the end of her life. She cared deeply for her grandchildren who each have special memories of their time spent together.

Jane’s family would like to recognize the exceptional staff at Highland Oaks of Elgin who lovingly cared for her until the end. Their personal touch and caring attitude towards Jane were such a comfort to her family.

Jane’s faith in God was strong. It is consoling to know she is rejoicing in Heaven where her frail body has been restored and where finally, her husband is no longer waiting for her. Jane will be especially missed by her daughters whose close relationships will leave a void to be fill only when they are reunited in Heaven.

Jane is survived by her three daughters, Christine (Rodney) Cavitt, Carol (Roger) LaRoche, and Joanna (Jeffrey) Norden; her nine grandchildren, Matthew Cavitt, Carly Schreiber, Justine Flesher, Jessica Holliday, Jacob Bethke, Zach Bethke, Rachel Martin, Nicklas Norden and Hannah Norden; her six great grandchildren, Olivia & Cole Cavitt, Abby Holliday, Theo Bethke, and Tatum & Georgia Martin; and her three nephews, David, Jonathan and Kenan Speal.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Lucille Speal; her loving husband Jim Rager; and her dear daughter, Susan Bethke.

A memorial gathering will be held from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at Moss-Norris Funeral Home, 100 S. Third Street, St. Charles, IL. 60174.  A celebration of life service will begin at 4:00 P.M. also at the funeral home.  Interment will be help privately at Lakewood Cemetery, in Elgin, IL.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Jane’s name may be made to Highland Oaks of Elgin, 2750 W. Highand Ave., Elgin, Il. 60124.