June 22, 1925 - June 13, 2009

B. Jane Fisher, 83, of Albany, formerly of Boise, Idaho, passed away peacefully June 13 at the Mennonite Home.

Betty Jane was born to Elmer and Loretta (Smith) Ashcraft at home in Antelope County near Clearwater, Neb., and was raised on her family farm near Tilden.

Jane graduated from Tilden High School in 1943. Wanting to see the world and join the war effort, she convinced her father to sign her enlistment paper, joining the Coast Guard on her 20th birthday. After boot camp, Jane was transferred to Seattle. During her train trip west she met Jack Fisher and married him on April 25, 1946.

Following their discharges, they moved to Colorado, where she attended Colorado State. The family followed construction jobs living in Wyoming, Oregon, Montana, Washington, Idaho and Arkansas, before returning to Boise in 1958 with their four children.

Jane earned her degree in elementary education from Northwest Nazarene College in June 1965. She taught eighth grade at Hillside Junior High, retiring in 1990. Jane moved to Albany in 1995 to be closer to her grandchildren. She served on the Albany School Board from 1999 to 2005.

Jane loved to read, write, knit, do word puzzles and sports. She was a devoted Boise State Bronco fan. Jane loved traveling. She had been to all 50 states, Canada, the Philippines, Japan and Ireland (chasing her Irish roots). Jane researched and wrote a "Smith Family" genealogy. She was a member of the American Legion in Boise and Albany, Trinity Presbyterian Church of Boise, Friends of the Library, WAVES National, and a charter member of the Women in America in Military Service, and was Linn County Veteran of the Year in 1999.

Jane's greatest loves were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jane is survived by her children, Judi Fisher of Washington, D.C., John Fisher of San Diego, Calif., Jaci and Ray Eiquihua of Albany, and Janet and Tom Parenteau of Portland; grandchildren Kirsten and Derek MacDicken of Portland, John and Ronda Lindsay of New Braunfels, Texas, David Eiquihua and fiancé Amber of Lebanon; great-grandchildren Avery, Aidric and Joseph; ex-husband Jack Fisher of Meridian, Idaho; cousin Maxine Minerich of Sun City, Ariz.; and numerous nephews, nieces and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Joan Spelinik; and brother Milan Ashcraft.

Jane was an inspiration to many, loved by all who knew her. All those who knew her and loved her laugh, energy and quest for knowledge will miss Jane.

Jane requested contributions be made to the Albany Public School Foundation, Hillside Junior High School Library, Women in Military Service Memorial Foundation or Friends of the Library. They may be sent in care of Fisher Funeral Home, 306 Washington St. S.W., Albany, OR 97321 (www.fisherfuneralhome.com).