Jane Ellen Gannaway

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home. The family will receive guests for visitation starting at 12:00 Noon.

Jane was born on December 10, 1951, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was the last child born of six to the late Horace Winfield Snyder and Margaret Ellen (O’Brian) Snyder. She grew up in Glendale where she enjoyed a special close relationship with her large family. She graduated from Washington High School in 1969. She went on to attend Northern Arizona University where she met her future husband Michael in a political science class. Jane and Michael married on October 14, 1972, in Phoenix. She followed Michael's career in higher education living in multiple places to include: The Navajo Reservation in Ganado, Arizona, Wayne, Nebraska, Buffalo, New York, Nevada, Missouri, Alpine, Marshall, Longview, Texas.

Jane worked in the banking industry in several places before beginning a career with the state of Texas as an Eligibility Clerk. However, some of her greatest work was done through her community involvement. She helped with cub scouts when her sons were younger. She also believed in education and was an active part of PTA. She advocated tirelessly on the school board to ensure that everyone was treated fairly. You always knew where she stood on matters.

Jane grew up in a Catholic family. Later she made a personal profession of faith. She and Michael became active members of North Phoenix Baptist Church and continued to serve in several congregations as they moved around. She devoted herself to raising her two sons and was an active part of their lives. However, once grandchildren came into the picture her focused changed! Her retirement hobby and focus was her granddaughters. She attended countless events and celebrations where her voice could always be heard cheering them on.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jimmy W. Snyder and sister, Jo Ann Burke.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Michael Wayne Gannaway; her 2 sons, Brian Michael Gannaway and his wife, Amelia, and Kevin Michael Gannaway and his wife, Sarah; siblings, Jeanne Lynch, Suzy Van Sant and Mary Standflird; grandchildren, Analicia, Isabella, Gabriella, Taylor, Kenzie and Tatum; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is also survived by her beloved fur babies, Milio and Oreo.