Jane Absher

Jane Absher, 98, of Carmi, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2022, at her residence.  She was born in White County, Illinois on January 27, 1924, the daughter of Charles H. and Clora (Newcomb) Bates.  Jane married Henry Absher on September 7, 1940, and he preceded her in death on June 21, 2001.  The couple had one son, Ron Absher, and he preceded her in death on June 15, 2019.

Jane was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Carmi, and held a seat on the Deaconess Foundation Board for over 30 years. Early in her adult life, Jane worked diligently alongside Henry in growing their auto sales and oil businesses.  They achieved great success and passed their work ethic along to their son, Ron.  In 2019, the Absher Charitable Foundation was established to benefit the residents of White County by improving education and healthcare.  Scholarships to benefit CWCHS and NCOE school districts as well as the newly constructed  Absher Family Health Center in coordination with Ferrell and Deaconess Hospital Foundations, will ensure that the legacy of Henry, Jane and Ron Absher will continue to be a gift to this community for generations to come.

Jane is survived by her sister, Sue Endicott; a niece, Anita Brown; two nephews, Alan (Patty) Blazier and Dennis (Jan) Bates; and a devoted colleague, Amber Carney.  In addition to her husband, Henry Absher and son, Ron Absher, she is preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Kermit Bates.

Funeral Services for Jane Absher will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 16, 2022, at First United Methodist Church in Carmi, with entombment following at White County Memorial Garden in Carmi.  Family and friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. until time of service on Monday, May 16, 2022, at First United Methodist Church in Carmi.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jane's memory to First United Methodist Church carpet fund, and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi, who is in charge of arrangements.