Mary Jane Eickelberger

Mary Jane “Jane” Eickelberger lived a life full of a love of learning and family. Born on September 12, 1937, in Kane, Pennsylvania.She was the beloved daughter of Frank and Ruby Avoy. She graduated from James Ford Rhodes High School in Cleveland, Ohio and went on to earn her B.A. in Elementary Education from Miami University, preparing her for the vocation that would define her life.

Jane was a devoted educator whose career took her across the country. The last 25 years of her career were spent at Jacksontown Elementary in the Lakewood Local School District, where she worked with her husband, Frederick “Fred” Eickelberger, who served as principal of Lakewood High School. Together, they dedicated their lives to the Lakewood community and created a lasting legacy of love for education.

Jane’s early years of marriage were spent in California, where she taught elementary school and showed Cocker Spaniels. This began her love of dogs, a joy that stayed with her throughout her life and was embodied in her constant companion, her beloved dog Lulabelle.

Family was at the very center of Jane’s heart. She married Fred on June 16, 1962, and together they raised four children who adored her: Scott (Marianne) Eickelberger of Thornville, OH; Vicki (Jace Stickdorn) Eickelberger of Powell, OH; Sheryl (Rick) Rauzi of Westerville, OH; and Shanda Eickelberger of Indianapolis, IN. Jane was also a proud grandmother to Lauren (Gabriel) Hassan of Birmingham, AL; Chase Stickdorn of Powell, OH; Rachel, Hannah, and Natalie Rauzi of Westerville, OH. Her love extended to her great-grandchildren, Valor and Milo Hassan of Birmingham, AL, who brought her endless joy.

Jane found beauty and happiness in life’s simple pleasures—visiting the ocean, crafting, gardening, reading, savoring a cup of Maxwell House coffee, and quiet moments cuddling with Lula. She treasured holidays, family gatherings, and time spent with those she loved most. Her warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ruby Avoy; her husband, Fred; and her sister, Dora. She leaves behind her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her sister’s children—Charles, Michael, David Darnell, and Nancy Darnell-Fyock—her sisters-in-law, Margaret Ketron, Martha Pond, Bette Eickelberger, and Darene Eickelberger and many beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Jane’s legacy is one of love, devotion, and joy in the everyday moments of life. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jane’s life at a visitation on Tuesday, September 2nd, from 4–6 p.m. at McPeek Hoekstra Hoskinson Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 3rd, at 11 a.m. at Thornville United Methodist Church, followed by interment at the Lutheran Reformed Cemetery.

Please visit www.McPeekHoekstra.com to share a special memory or leave a message of condolence.