Jane E. Salinger

Jane Elizabeth Salinger, 100, North Manchester, IN and formerly of New Paris, IN died at 1:15 a.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2011 in Timbercrest Healthcare Center, North Manchester, IN. She was born March 9, 1911 in New Paris, IN to Charles A. & Bessie May (Cripe) Neff, seven years later Charles H. was born, 5 years later Joan Eunice and Marylou Eveyln a year and a half later. Jane grew up with a very special playmate, her doll, Nancy, now 99 years old. Loved by Jane was the farming community as was the Church of the Brethren, sitting on the arm of her father's chair to hear Bible stories. She loved reading, school, Bible school and all children. Important to Jane was being a Christian, the Church of the Brethren, Manchester College, Boys Town, Heifer Project International and Camp Mack, where she worked a number of summers. Land for Camp Mack was donated by Neff relatives near Milford, IN. She did much to help a Cambodian refugee family by keeping them in her home. She graduated from New Paris (IN) High School with honors and Manchester College with a BA in education. Jane taught public school grades 3 & 4 as Miss Neff in New Paris and Bethany Elementary Schools. Later she retired as head accountant for the catalog department of Sears & Roebuck Co., Chicago, IL. In the church she attended, she met Kurt Salinger from Germany. They were married May 28, 1946. They moved to Chicago where Kurt worked for the Chicago Tribune. He died April 6, 1972. After Kurt died, Jane moved back to New Paris, IN where she helped a great deal with her aging parents. She then moved to Timbercrest in 1985. In 2007 she was moved into the Crestwood wing of Timbercrest Healthcare. She was quick to say of Crestwood "They take good care of us." She was a member of Eel River Community Church of the Brethren, Silver Lake, IN. Jane is survived by her brother, Charles H. (Leveta) Neff of Goshen, IN, her sister Mrs. Bruce (Joan) Young, North Manchester, IN and several nieces and nephews of Virginia, Alabama, Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin, Arkansas and Michigan. One sister, Marylou Walker, is deceased. Services will be April 23, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. in Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchester, IN. Friends and family may call one hour prior to services at the chapel. The Salinger family has entrusted McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, IN with final arrangements. Burial will be in Maple Grove/Whitehead Cemetery, New Paris, IN. For those who wish to honor the memory of Jane Salinger, memorial contributions may be made to Camp Mack, PO Box 158, Milford, IN 46542 or Timbercrest Senior Living Community, PO Box 501, North Manchester, IN 46962 or Manchester College, 604 E. College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962 or Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120. To send a private condolence to the family, use the Condolence link on the Homepage.