Jane F. Kauffman

Josephine Jane Flower Kauffman (Jane), 96, passed away on April 9, 2016 in Fort Collins at the home of her daughter and son-in-law after a long battle with dementia. Jane was born June 6, 1919 in St. Mary's, West Virginia to parents Roy E. & Effie M. (Porter) Flower. She was an only child.
Jane's father passed away when she was in high school. She attended St. Mary's High School where she was valedictorian of her class. Music was a very important part of her life. She was a member of the St. Mary's marching band, recognized as the best in the state. She played the saxophone, bassoon, and piano. She also love to sing.
Jane received her degree in elementary education at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She and her mother shared and apartment during those years and were quite close. She later attended Kent State University and University of Northern Colorado for additional education.
While a young teacher in Ohio, Jane met Bob at a USO club. Their first date was a dinner invitation to a friend's house where Bob introduced Jane as "the girl he was going to marry." They were married for 43 years. Bob was an officer in the United States Air Force. Jane adjusted well to military life. She always said, "Wherever you are, you make it your home." From Louisville, KY to Rome, NY; Wichita Falls, TX to Dayton, OH; Baltimore, MD to Cheyenne, WY; and many places in between, they made it their home. When Bob was called to duty in Tokyo for a year for rebuilding of Korea in 1953, Jane made a home for herself and her children. After Bob retired from military service, she adjusted again to civilian life, teaching school for over 30 years. She was a teacher at Madison elementary in Greeley, Colorado. She loved children, and teaching was a great joy to her. She also enjoyed the many travels around the world with her husband.
Jane was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Greeley where she had many friends. She loved to read, travel, and spend time with her family.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Roy & Effie Flower, husband Robert E. Kauffman, son Richard V. Kauffman, and daughter-in-law Barbara Kauffman. She is survived by her son Michael R. Kauffman of Greeley and daughter Pamela J. (Max) Oesterle of Fort Collins; Grandchildren Kelley, Mark, Stacy, Torrie, Britton, Laura, Aaron, and Felix, along with numerous great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all.
A graveside service will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado on April 13, 2016 at 1:15 PM Staging Area "C." Please leave memories and condolences for the family at www.goesfuneralcare.com