Jane Ann "Janie" (Church) Tracy, age 57 – a lifelong resident of Elwood, died very unexpectedly on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at her residence in Elwood. She was born on June 26, 1956 in Elwood, the daughter of Charles Eugene and Wilma J. (Hinds) Church. She was well-known as a Spanish teacher at the Elwood Community High School for 29 years before her retirement in 2012. Jane was a 1974 graduate of Elwood Community High School where she was the Valedictorian of her graduating class. In 1978, she obtained her Bachelor's degree in Spanish and finance from Ball State University, and later received her Master's degree in Spanish in 1985. She married Michael O. "Mike" Tracy on December 14, 1990. Jane was the current Vice-President of Tri-Kappa Lambda Chapter in Elwood. She was also a former member of the Elwood First Missionary Baptist Church and the Elwood Country Club. Jane loved to travel, and led numerous trips with her Spanish class students to Spain, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. She was an avid fan of Indianapolis Colts Football, Notre Dame Football, and Indiana University Basketball. She enjoyed planting flowers and caring for her home, and was known for decorating for every holiday. Jane loved spending time with her family, especially her grandkids. She will be greatly missed by her family and all her friends.

Jane's family includes her husband of nearly 23 years, Mike Tracy of Elwood; son, Kurt (wife Cheryl) Scharff of Sharpsville; step-daughter, Shalimar (husband Wil) Foster of Frankton; 4 grandchildren, Gracie & Kole Scharff, Logan Peters, and Luci Foster; 3 brothers-in-law, Richard Reynolds of Elwood, Billy Tracy of Elwood, and Howard Tracy of Elwood; sister-in-law, Theresa Abshire of Lake Helen, FL; nephew, Aaron Reynolds of Elwood; niece, Sarah McCorkle of Elwood; great niece, Karah McCorkle of Elwood; beloved dog, "Cubbie Jane"; and numerous friends and former teaching colleagues.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Dixie Reynolds; step-son, Justin Tracy; and several aunts and uncles.

A celebration of Jane's life will take place at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner of the East Main Street Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 8 PM on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home, and will include a Tri-Kappa Memorial service at 7:30 PM. Memorial contributions are suggested to a Senora Tracy Scholarship fund to be established at the Madison County Federal Credit Union or through the funeral home. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.copherfeslermay.com.