Jane Laurabeth (Knight) Stackhouse, 86, former resident of Tonkawa passed away March 7, 2010.  Jane was born March 30, 1923, in Webb City, Oklahoma to Joseph and Julia (Benbow) Knight.  Jane spent her younger years in Webb City then moved with her family to Tonkawa.  She graduated from Tonkawa High School and pursued a degree in education at both Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa and the University of Oklahoma in Norman.

Jane married Henry A. Stackhouse, Jr. on August 12, 1942, and he preceded her in death in 1996 after celebrating fifty-four years of marriage.  They had a treasured son, Henry “Andy” Andrew Stackhouse, who preceded her in death in 1988.

For many years, Jane and Henry lived in Burlington, Iowa, where she taught elementary school.  Henry’s career then led them to Charleston, Illinois, where Jane served as the music librarian at Eastern Illinois University.  After Henry retired, they returned to Oklahoma and lived in Ponca City before settling in Tonkawa. 

Jane was a loving, devoted wife and mother.  She was also a joyful person who believed in doing at least one fun thing every day – whether it be getting ice cream, reading a book, or looking at the stars, Jane made a point of taking pleasure in life.  She enjoyed visiting with people, playing games and dominos, working puzzles, and listening to music.  She was a loyal friend whose zest for life made her a dare-devil in her younger days and a wonderfully animated and energetic person in her later life. 

Jane’s faith was also a vital part of her character. Everywhere she lived, she had a church home and was a faithful and active member.  She was a member of the Tonkawa First Baptist Church. She cared deeply for others and was particularly caring to those special individuals who God put in her path.  She had a special gift of seeing and understanding people’s hearts, rather than focusing on outward appearances – perhaps this came from her own unique sense of individuality.

She is loved and survived by her sister, Julia "Judy" Coleman of Ponca City, Oklahoma; her grandson, Robert Bradley Stackhouse and wife, Heather of Bryan, Texas and her granddaughter, Lori Ellen Stackhouse of San Antonio, Texas;  her great grandchildren, David Andrew Stackhouse and Christian Matthew Stackhouse; and a niece and 3 nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband; her son; her parents; and her brothers, John “Jack” Knight, Joseph “Bud” Knight, Judd Knight, and James Knight. 

The funeral service will be Saturday, March 13, 2010, at 2 PM. at Tonkawa First Baptist Church with Dr. Richard Thomasson officiating.  Interment will be in the Ceres Cemetery, Ceres, Oklahoma.   Arrangements are under the direction of Tonkawa Funeral Home, Tonkawa, OK.

Memorials may be given to the Tonkawa First Baptist Church Benevolence or Falls Creek Fund in the care of Tonkawa Funeral Home, 400 E. Grand Ave., Tonkawa, OK 74653.

Condolences may be sent to the family using our online guest book at www.tonkawafh.com