Fredda Jane Exum

Immediate family preceding Jane in death were her husband Martin Van Exum on 7/12/1992 of Grand Junction, their daughter Janice Annette Mann (Lamar) of Woodstock, GA, her sister Francis Orien Allen (Darwin) of Pampa, TX, father Frederick Key Wood (Elva) of Wheeler, TX and mother Ruth Jane Anders Wood of Skellytown, TX.

Jane leaves behind daughters Merri Sue Schoon (Kim) of New Castle, CO and Willie Beth Acker (Stephen) of Grand Junction, CO, sister Marjorie Elene Lister (J.C.) of Grants, NM and brother Kenneth Eugene Wood (Barbara) of Longview, TX, 7 grandchildren Herbert Anthony “Tony” Whitfield (Jill), Kelli Diane Bailey (Mike), Jennifer Kathryn Burris (Jesse), Andrew Martin Schoon (Nicole), Adam Lee Acker (Cheryl), Vanessa Gail Wallace (Leo), and Lisa Michelle Acker. Also 22 great grandchildren, Nathan Whitfield, Zac Bailey, Amber Bailey, Jordan Burris, Gabriel Burris, Merrilynn Burris, Kacie Burris, Alexys Schoon, Lucas Schoon, Jasmine Acker, Cameron Acker, Emily Acker, Esther Acker, Trevor Smith, Lindsey Smith, Jocelyn Smith, Rebecca Martin, Dominick Martin, Memphis Martin, Jordan Newcomer, Caleb Prince, and Natalie Newcomer. There are also 2 great great grandchildren, Avianna Smith & Lorenzo Romo.

Jane was active in every church she attended including singing in choirs, teaching Sunday school, cooking at summer camps, and hosting Bible studies. She loved singing praises to her Lord with her beautiful soprano voice. She was an accomplished seamstress, making almost all her own clothing as well as those for her daughters and granddaughters. She operated a successful alterations business from her home until finally retiring at age 90! Many of her customers remarked that there was nothing she couldn’t do with a needle and thread. She was a member of the quilting group at the American Lutheran Church. They made many beautiful quilts which they donated to organizations such as Homeward Bound, a homeless shelter in Grand Junction. She was a member of Colorful Colorado West Tolers and loved sharing her art with friends and family alike. She volunteered for what was formerly known as Hospice of the Grand Valley (now Hope West) and Rose Hill Hospitality House.

She cared deeply for everyone she met, especially the innocent and less fortunate. She had a difficult childhood as did many people of that era but she made the best of it and raised her two sisters and a brother from a very young age. She married Martin at the tender age of 16 just as he was about to travel overseas as a US Marine. That early practice she obtained raising her siblings made her an exceptional mother. She taught her children by example to love the Lord, what it was to be a lady, how to be a good wife, and how to manage a household and budget. She could stretch a dollar farther than anyone else.

She kept one thing from Martin all the years they were married and that was a little savings account. One of the times when he got the new car itch, she was able to present him with enough funds to pay cash for it. Martin once said “There will never be another like your mother”. Truer words were never spoken. She was one of a kind. The world seems a little less bright without her in it but we all feel blessed for the time that we had her with us and a little more at ease knowing she’s in heaven waiting for us.

A memorial service with reception following will be held on March 19th, 2022 at Greater Love Church, 412 32 Road, Clifton, CO at 10:00 a.m. Flowers may be sent there or donations may be made to Hope West or Rose Hill Hospitality House.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.callahan-edfast.com for the Exum family.