Jayne Conrad

JAYNE CONRAD

Chariton

Services for Jayne Conrad, 80 of Chariton, will be at noon Tuesday, Feb. 8, at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made in Jayne's honor to the Food Pantry/Lucas County Inter-Church Council or the Puppy Jake Foundation.

Jayne Marlene McMurtrey was born Sept. 24, 1941, to Frank and Helen McMurtrey, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Jayne grew up in Mount Pleasant alongside her sisters, Nancee and Trish. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1959 and continued her education for one year at Simpson College in Indianola.

Jayne and Merle Conrad seemed to be complete opposites, they were a perfect match. On Nov. 10, 1961, they traveled to Missouri where the couple eloped. First, living outside of Mount Pleasant then in Algona, and finally settling in Chariton in 1969, where they raised their children, Traci and Buddy.

Jayne kept busy as a loving mother, loving wife and wonderful homemaker. In addition to all that she did at home, Jayne stayed busy as an active member of the Church of Christ, a member of the 4-H Award Council, she was the accountant for the Chariton Cement Ready Mix plant, a foreman of a detasseling crew, a teacher's aid at Williamson Elementary School, and volunteered as an election poll worker. Jayne really enjoyed crocheting, sewing, camping, square dancing and bowling.

Family was always so very important to Jayne, she was very involved with her children and grandchildren. Being promoted to a grandma and great-grandma was one of Jayne's proudest accomplishments. She was described as being the best grandma ever. Her grandkids will tell you of the fun activities that she was always planning, but unlike most, she joined right in. She was known for singing many nursery rhymes, planned countless picnics, camping trip and camp-breakfasts, and did her best to attend all of their activities. She made the very best heath brownies (renamed by the grandkids) and known as "Goodness Bars."

Jayne was very skilled in the kitchen, which was adored by her husband. Beef and noodles were a favorite. Along with her frosted, heart-shaped sugar-cookies on Valentine's Day. Her sweet tea was so sweet and good (it was also renamed by the grandkids) and known as "Grandma's Tweak."

Jayne and Merle were a great team. They were often caught helping others with various projects and consistently known to support and encourage others toward finding their way to church and Jesus Christ. Jayne organized annual family reunions, and truly set an example for her children and grandchildren.

Jayne will be dearly missed by her husband of 60 years, Merle Conrad; daughter, Traci (Gary) Briggs; daughter-in-law, Kim Conrad; grandchildren, Corey (Hailey) Conrad, Dylan Conrad, Mickelle Malloy, Emily Malloy and Ayden Malloy; great-grandchildren, Charlotte "Boo., Avery Emmett, plus one on the way; sisters, Nancee Seifert and Trish Fenn; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Jayne was preceded in death by her infant son, Steven Michael; son, Buddy Conrad; and her parents.