Jane Hefley Kaufman of Carney, Okla. passed away July 10, 2022, at the age of 77. Jane was born Dec. 17, 1944, in Beloit, Kan., her parents were Lee and Irene Hefley.
Jane grew up in Downs Kansas, attended school there until she graduated with her classmates in 1962. She remained friends with many of them for her entire life, especially with Zoe Ann Goheen, who celebrated so many things together and spent hours on the porch talking and laughing.
Shortly after graduating she headed out to California. There she started a career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (now known as AT&T).
It was here that she met and fell in love with Eldon Kaufman. They were married Dec. 21, 1972, in Gentry, Ark. It was at this time she joined the Amazing Kaufman family. Eldon had two children Donna and Donald.
They moved from California to Ponca City, Okla. and continued their careers with Southwestern Bell until they retired with Jane having worked for over 25 years. In 1990 they moved to Carney, Okla. to be near kids and grandkids; they enjoyed retirement.
Eldon passed away on Sept. 7, 2003.
Jane had so many hobbies she loved to read and was part of a book club, doing crossword puzzles, knitting, crocheting, playing cards either with her friends or down at the Carney Senior Citizens.
Jane also loved to travel; she wanted to see everywhere and learn everything she could about wherever she went. She took bus tours with Rose Hull and saw much of the United States, they loved the scenery and especially the history.
Jane went to and fell in love with Kauai, Hawaii, she traveled there with her friend Carolyn Jarvis many times and explored the island from one end to the other; no part of that island was unseen. They also traveled to Spain again getting to see things no one else would ever get to see. They traveled around the US also.
Locally she was best friends with Sheena Wilson, there isn’t enough room to record all of their adventures, just a few were going to Hawaii, Disneyworld, Memphis, and just so many other places. There was no stopping them from seeing anything they wanted, no barrier was going to keep them from exploring and enjoying, they would come home with stories that would leave them laughing ‘til they cried. For over 30 years, Jane lived across the street from
For over 30 years, Jane lived across the street from her daughter in law Anita Kaufman, they spent many hours together, going exploring, doing a little traveling together and just having a relationship that was so special to both of them.
Jane loved being part of the Kaufman Family; she loved all of them tremendously. What Jane loved most were her grandkids, Nathan, Natosha, Taylor and his wife Deborah and her Princess Kassidy and her husband Anthony.
Jane was blessed with eight great-grandkids, Dakota, Cheyanne, Desirai, Carma, Allison, Ryan, Remington (Remi) and Carson. Her brother Ed and his wife Linda Hefley of Florida and her niece Tina and her husband Mike.
Jane is preceded in death by her husband, Eldon and her parents, Lee and Irene Hefley.
Jane loved life and tried to enjoy every moment. If she could pass on anything to everyone, it would be to love your family, work hard, save your money, go see everything you can and make memories to last a lifetime for you and those you love. Jane will be missed dearly by so many.
Graveside service was held Saturday, July 16, 2022 at the Downs Cemetery with Minister David Hardy officiating. Recorded music selections were “On Eagle’s Wings” and “Amazing Grace.” Honorary pallbearers: Taylor Kaufman, Deborah Kaufman, Kassidy Ross, Anthony Ross, Nathan Province, and Natosha Province. Memorials may be given to Downs High School Alumni Association in care of Domoney Funeral Home, PO Box 127, Downs, KS 67437.