Virginia Jane Walts, lovingly known as Jane, passed away peacefully at her residence in Saint Louis, Missouri, on August 26, 2026, at the remarkable age of 102.

Born on August 7, 1924, Jane carried with her the strength and character that would define her long and meaningful life. She grew up in East Saint Louis, Illinois with two brothers, Jackson and Eugene, and a sister, Dana. Intelligent by nature and remembered as a woman of keen ability, she met life’s responsibilities early. In 1940, at just 16 years old, she left high school to care for her mother after her mother suffered a stroke, an act that reflected the devotion to family that remained central to her life.

While caring for her mother Jane also worked as a waitress at a local café. It was there that she met the man who would become her husband, Richard Walts, who was working as a cook. Falling in love quickly, they were engaged in August and were married in a beautiful church wedding on November 24, 1942.

Only a few months after their marriage, Richard received his draft notice and entered the US Navy in March of 1943. This was about the time Jane learned she was going to be a mother. The young couple moved to Waukegan, Illinois near Great Lakes Naval Recruitment Center.

The hope was for them to stay as close as possible during his military service. As fate would have it, Richard was not able to get leave at the time of Jane‘s delivery. They were both in for a surprise when Jane gave birth to twins. They were proud parents of both a girl and a boy. Sharon Ann and Raymond Jackson were born September 17, 1943. In one of the family stories that endured through the years, Richard, having been unable to attend the birth, was so anxious to see Jane and their newborn twins, that he could not abide being denied leave. He took the risk and went AWOL to see them and, eventually, it all worked out okay. Following a brief but longed for visit, Richard returned to his post. He was back to active duty after only a short time in the brig. Once WWII ended, the young Walts family made their addition to the Baby Boomer Generation, by proudly presenting the world their son Richard Edward on October 8, 1946.

By this time Jane and her family had returned to East St. Louis and made their home on 43rd Street. Richard got a job as a clerk in the Pennsylvania RR yard. He worked there until the late 1980’s when he retired as Yard Master. Along the way, Jane built a respected working life of her own. She was employed by the historic Continental Can Company in East St. Louis. Later she enjoyed working as a hostess at Howard Johnson Restaurant. Combining her social skills and a sharp financial mindset, she was hired by State Bank of Collinsville, in downtown Collinsville, Illinois, where her intelligence and talent were especially valued.

It was about that time Jane and Richard built a new home in Deterding Hills Area in Troy. Jane loved their new home with a big lot that gave them room to plant a garden. She canned beans, tomatoes, pickles and many other delicious vegetables. Jane also enjoyed sewing, bread making and cooking fabulous meals for family and friends. Jane and Richard were active members of the Episcopal Church, serving as choir members, officers, and Sunday School teachers. She shared her cooking skills to host the card parties offered as fundraising for the church. Jane’s homemade rolls, pies, and cakes were requested crowd pleasers!

Jane also gave her energy generously to civic and social life. She and Richard were active in many clubs and community activities. After she retired from State Bank as a Senior Loan Officer, Jane worked part time for the Shriners’ Lodge as a secretary. She and Richard remained involved with Eastern Star, Anid Temple Shriners and Daughters of the Nile. Among her proudest accomplishments was being crowned Queen of the Daughters of the Nile in 1988, an honor that spoke to the esteem in which she was held.

Virginia Jane Walts was a kind and noble person. She possessed a spirit of strength and gentleness that saw her through difficult times and helped her bring joy to the lives of others. Jane was not one to back down or give up on any endeavor she set her mind on. She had a knack for problem solving that helped her figure out a wide range of solutions. She could rewire her electric range or restart her car if the battery was disconnected. She could wade into a crowd with ease to video her grandchildren and never miss a frame of action. She was truly amazing and lived 102 years surrounded by the love and admiration of her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her son, Raymond; her granddaughter, Amanda Jane; and all of her siblings.

Jane’s memory will be cherished by her family, who were the enduring joy of her life. She is survived by her son Richard Walts and his wife, Mary; her daughter, Sharon Pochek; her grandchildren, Louis Pochek, Angela Marie, Richard Eric, and Sheila Lynn; 9 great-grandchildren; and 10 great great-grandchildren. Jane leaves behind the lasting love of generations shaped by her example of loyalty, resilience, and devotion.

A visitation in Jane's honor will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Herr Funeral Home, 501 West Main Street, Collinsville, Illinois. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Herr Funeral Home. Burial will take place afterward at St. John’s Cemetery, 105 National Terrace, Collinsville, Illinois.

Jane lived through more than a century of change, yet the constants of her life were love, family, work, and service. She will be remembered with affection, gratitude, and admiration.