Dorothy Jane Plunkett

Dorothy Jane Plunkett died Friday, August 31, 2012, knowing she was a faithful Christian, loved by her children, grandchildren, brother, sister, nieces and nephews, as well as many friends and extended family.She was born June 9, 1924 in West Union, Illinois, the fourth of six children of Harry and Freda Schaefer Finkbiner. After graduating from Hutsonville High School, Jane worked in the dental office of Dr.Kinney.On August 3, 1947, she married Andrew M. Plunkett, Jane became a homemaker and active supporter of her husband€™s educational career as Superintendent of Oblong Grade School before being elected as Regional Superintendent of Schools.The Plunketts raised their son and 3 daughters in Oblong, Illinois, where Jane lived until a recent move to Robinson, Illinois. She was a charter member of the Crawford County Republican Women, an active member of the CMH Women€™s Auxiliary, devoting many hours as a coordinator of the Hospital Gift Shop. She was an avid quilter, making many quilts by hand to be shared with her family, loved reading, and listening to Southern gospel music. A member of First United Methodist Church Robinson, she prayed fervently for her family and her country.Mrs. Plunkett was preceded in death by her husband who died at the young age of 52, her daughter Ginger Plunkett Battershell, her parents, brothers Sgt. Bill Finkbiner, and Rev. Frank Finkbiner, sister and brother-in-law, Eva & Royal Bolding.Jane is survived by her children: Diane & Ron Eller (Salem IL), their children Ben & Amanda and Carrie and Greg Lamb and 4 grandchildren; Mark & Yoland Plunkett (Alton IL), their children Julianne & Dustin White, Sam Plunkett, Katie Plunkett, Sally Plunkett, Luke Plunkett, and Andrew & Kara Plunkett, and 3 grandchildren; Janay Dalton (Dixon IL), her children Jim Dalton & friend Ami , Jeff & Laurin Dalton, Jeanna Dalton, and 2 grandchildren; son-in-law Ric Battershell, the children of Ginger & Ric, Zac & Erin Battershell, Peter & Sara Battershell, Jill Battershell and 3 grandchildren. Survivors include her brother, Fred & Tancy Finkbiner; sister Norma Miller; sister-in-law Carrie Finkbiner, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins in the area.Jane loved being with her family and friends, staying in close contact as often as possible. Her infectious laughter, friendly smile, and cheery demeanor will be missed by all who her knew and loved her.Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 4th at the First United Methodist Church of Robinson with Pastors Louis Youngs and Tiffany Black officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery in rural Palestine. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until service time at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Robinson or to the Oblong Academic Foundation, with envelopes available at the church.