Jane Alice Wellington, age 75, of Hollister, Missouri, passed away February 15, 2024, with family by her side.
She entered this life May 23, 1948, the daughter of William and Ruth (Oliver) Reader in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Jane was born into a musically gifted family and embraced a love of music at a young age; she had her first church solo at the age of five and was baptized at the age of thirteen. Jane directed her first children’s church choir at the age of fourteen. She played the alto saxophone and sang in the high school choir.
Jane graduated from high school in 1966 and furthered her education by attending Bible college and business school. She majored in music, Biblical studies, and psychology; she also trained to be a medical secretary. In college she traveled with the women’s trio and sang in the choir and small group ensemble. Her musical involvement continued after college, as she taught voice and piano lessons and directed various choirs and praise teams.
On January 4, 1975, she was married in Robbinsdale, later divorced. Jane held various office positions in the retail and health fields including many years as a medical transcriptionist. She worked as an administrative assistant at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, until her retirement in 2021.
Jane was active in church wherever she resided through the years, volunteering in a variety of ministries. She directed children’s Christmas programs, played piano and organ, taught AWANA, taught Sunday school, directed VBS, led Bible quiz teams, and served in jail ministry Bible studies. She also facilitated divorce care support groups, taught English at a Christian school, led at Christian Women’s Club, and served in many other programs.
Traveling, especially to destinations with a beautiful beach to walk, was always a priority. She was an avid reader and loved Christian historical fiction. In her spare time, she liked to crochet, play piano, sing, write songs, and solve puzzles. Jane was a skilled gardener and won many county fair ribbons. She loved dogs, but more than anything, she loved spending time with her family including visiting her son in Branson, Missouri.
Jane is survived by her children: Katie (Bryan) Overvaag of Luverne, Minnesota, Bill Wellington of Branson, Missouri; three grandchildren, Haylee, Ashlee and Lexie Overvaag; siblings Doug (Diane) Reader of Merrifield, Minnesota, and Marcia (David) Wetterlund of Taylors, South Carolina; as well as several nieces and nephews; and her other “kids,” Lola, Blue, Sam and Remy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary Reader.
A memorial service will be March 8, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Luverne. Arrangements are under the care of Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne.