Obituary of Mary Jane Waite

Mary Jane (Janie) Waite, age 83, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on September 13, 2016 in Wisconsin Rapids. A private family memorial service and interment at Forest Hill Mausoleum will be held at a later date. Mary Jane Waite (Keepers) was born November 18, 1932 in the City of Waukon, Iowa to Cecil Hayes and Iva Ruth (Michaels) Keepers. Jane was an excellent student and upon graduating from Houghton (MI) High School, Jane attended St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing in Hancock, Michigan and became a registered nurse. On April 7, 1956, Jane married Donald Rowell Waite at St. Alexander's Church in Port Edwards. Don and Jane were married for over 60 years. Jane worked with many fine healthcare professionals at Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids, Riverwood Clinic in Wisconsin Rapids, and finished her outstanding 45-year nursing career as a Wood County Health Care nurse. After her long nursing career of helping thousands of patients, Jane enjoyed a well-deserved rest until a granddaughter stole her heart and thoughts, with additional joy coming along with the addition of a great granddaughter with a precious demeanor and loving heart. Jane always enjoyed spending time with her family and attending a variety of social events. Jane also enjoyed music, reading, plugging slot machines, and watching movies. Jane was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Jane would prefer that those who remember her, celebrate her life and the many things she was able to accomplish with her time on earth. Jane will be remembered for her devotion to family, love of animals, and she will be deeply missed. Jane is survived by son Mitchell Waite of Wisconsin Rapids; son Bradley Waite of Wisconsin Rapids; daughter Allyson Ward of Madison; brother William Michael (Mickey) Keepers of Wisconsin Rapids; granddaughter Alexia Waite of Wisconsin Rapids; great granddaughter Kayleigh Waite of Wisconsin Rapids; and many nieces and nephews. Jane was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, husband Donald, and half-brother Ronald. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jane's name to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) https://www.aspca.org/.