Jane Marie Raabe, 73, of Niles, passed away at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 with her family by her side.
Jane was born on April 2, 1943 to the late Fay and June (Ellis) Mastin in Mizpah, Minnesota as the sixth of eleven children. After graduating from high school Jane went on to attend airline school. After completing her training she became a reservation agent for several years. On March 31, 1967 Jane wed the love of her life, Bill Raabe, at a ceremony in Berrien Center. She was a bank teller until her third child came along. After all her children were in school she began working at Hook’s Pharmacy and retired from Hook’s/CVS in the early 2000’s.
Jane served as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Eagle’s Auxiliary for over 30 years. She was a sweet, compassionate, quiet woman who adored her family. She also enjoyed planting flowers and dog sitting for her daughters.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Fay and June; husband, Bill Raabe; and siblings, Steven Mastin, Reta Mastin, Ralph Nelson, Jack Nelson, Elaine Luton, and Paul Eugene Nelson.
Jane is survived by her children, Diane (Ed) Muntz of Niles, Darla (Bill) McAllister of Niles, Debbie (Frank) DeLaTorre of Coloma, Don (Jaye) Raabe of Niles, and Dennis (Linda Martin) Raabe of Dowagiac; 12 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; siblings, Sally Smith of Coloma, Linda Hoadley of Niles, Maxine (Don) Sjelin of Deluth, Minnesota, and Dean (Rose) Mastin of Berrien Springs; and a host of extended family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Community Church located at 2390 Lake Street in Niles.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.