Mary Jane Holcomb

Mary Jane Holcomb, 79, of New Philadelphia, died Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010, following a long illness.

Born Feb. 28, 1930, in New Cumberland, she was a daughter of the late Fred and Marie Duerr Stoneman. Jane, as she was often called, graduated from Dover High School in 1948. She was employed by the U.S. Ceramic Tile Co. in East Sparta, and retired as a nurse's aide from Union Hospital in Dover.

Jane was a member of First Christian Church in New Philadelphia, Tuscarawas County Senior Center, Union Hospital Retirees and Dover Moose Auxiliary.

A devoted mother, grandmother and friend, she enjoyed spending time with her family and those dear to her - celebrating holidays and birthdays, and making sure those days were special and that everyone had plenty to eat. Also, favorite among Jane's activities were shopping, playing cards, golf and other games, and attending Wertz Trio dances.

Survivors include two daughters, Sherry (Dave) Patterson of New Philadelphia, and Vickie (Perry) Bell of Norman, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Amanda and David Patterson, and Kenan and Nicolai Bell; a sister, Lee Ellen (Charles) Heath of Midvale; a brother, Tom (Bev) Stoneman of Mineral City; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by her first husband, Gerald Wertz; her second husband, Jack Holcomb; five sisters, Betty Robinson, Lucille Mitchell, Maxine Hershberger, Martha Jean Yackey (Jane's twin) and SueAnn Borter.

In keeping with her wishes, Jane will be cremated. Family and friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Friday, Feb. 12, 10 - 11 a.m. Jane's life will be celebrated in a service, officiated by Pastor Jim Borton, Friday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Immediately afterwards, there will be a luncheon in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center on the Boulevard in Dover. A private committal service will take place later in Ridgecrest Memory Gardens, Dover.

Those planning to attend the visitation, service or meal are asked to write down a fond memory of Jane and leave it at the funeral home; there will be a collection basket and cards for that purpose. To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory there, please visit the Toland-Herzig Web site and click on Obituaries. Memories may also be left on The Times-Reporter's Web site.

Additionally, Jane was known for her peanut butter fudge, samples of which will be available at the funeral home, along with the recipe.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests donations in Jane's memory be made to the Warren Township (New Cumberland) Community Center, c/o Portia King, 8213 Lake Dr. N.E., Mineral City, Ohio 44656.

Toland-Herzig, Dover
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com