Jane E. Guess

Jane E. (Rider) Guess, 64, of Portage, MI, formerly of Elkhart, passed away Monday, June 29, 2009 at Kairo’s Dwelling (Hospice) in Kalamazoo, MI after a 6 ½ year battle with lung cancer.

Jane was born April 24, 1945 in Elkhart, Indiana to David and Dorothy Tucker. She leaves many friends, Marabeth, Charlene, Janice, June and Marge to name a few with wonderful memories. They were all her guardian angels. Jane counted her blessings in loving friends and family who brought special joy and laughter throughout her life, especially during her illness. Jane enjoyed reading, shopping, playing cards and spending endless times with her friends, children and grandchildren. Jane was an extremely hard worker. She was employed at Whitehall, Town Inc. and Target. Jane would give the shirt off her back to help family and friends. Jane then became a fighter during her illness. She was determined to beat the odds in which she did for almost 7 years. Jane was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, William and Bobby Tucker. Jane leaves behind her former husband Robert Rider, two sons, Robert “Wink” Rider of Elkhart and Ryan and wife Selena Rider of Portage, MI and daughter Gina Rider of Middlebury. Jane had 6 wonderful grandchildren, Rob, Stephanie, Andy, Christy, Emily and Dante who were all the sparkle of her eye.

Friends may call from 4-7 pm Wednesday at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd. Elkhart, where services will be held at 11 am Thursday. Reverend Larry Kurtz will officiate. Burial will follow at Rice Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kairo’s Dwelling at 2945 Gull Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49048 or the American Cancer Society. Visit www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com to sign an online guestbook.