Jane Esther Dalbey

She was born on August 6, 1931 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania into the loving family of William and Esther Barthel with two older brothers Elmer and Roy. She grew up in the countryside of Ross Township surrounded by her grandparents on both sides who were vegetable farmers. She attended township elementary and junior high schools and graduated from Perry High School. Jane attended Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania for one year before marrying Lloyd Dalbey in 1950 who was attending Pittsburgh Xenia Theological Seminary preparing for pastoral ministry.

Jane spent the next thirty years faithfully serving with her husband Lloyd in Christian ministry in local churches and related ministries in Portland, Oregon; Mt. Jackson, Pennsylvania; Ellwood City Pennsylvania; Tarkio, Missouri; and Kansas City, Missouri until Lloyd’s death in 1980. She was a loving wife and mother and made a significant impact on many people through her wonderful hospitality and her cheerful, encouraging, and nurturing manner of relating to people.

After Lloyd’s death, Jane spent her next thirty years in a new expression of ministry and adventure. She was invited to be the head chef for four months for ninety-five people at Youth With a Missions’ discipleship training chalet in Lausanne, Switzerland. There she fell in love with the mountains forever. The combination of serving people and experiencing the nearness of God in the beautiful mountains of Switzerland and Austria marked her life in a profound way. She took many trips to Europe on her own, with her three sons and their families, and with many friends. She found inexpensive ways to maximize great experiences for herself and for so many people.

Jane suffered from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease over the past eighteen years. She managed it very well over these years with the help of her family. She had significant decline over the past year.

Jane was deeply devoted to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her special relationships with family members are cherished memories that will continue long into the future. She is survived by her three married sons, eight married grandchildren, and twenty-one great grandchildren.

Mark and his wife Beth have Steven, Kristen, and Eric. Steven and Katrina Dalbey have Preston, Peyton, and Paxton. Kristen and John Kincaid have Natalie, Jack, Evelyn, Olivia, Gabi, Mary Grace, and Paul. Eric and Elizabeth have Lydia and Cora.

Jeff and his wife Barb have Megan and Grant. Megan and Scott Clayton have Levi and Jude. Grant and Hannah have Charles and a baby on the way.

Tim and his wife Nancy have Amy, David, and Andrew. Amy and Ryan Koci have Caden, Cora, and Connor. David and Katie have Ivy and Zion. Andrew is married to Chelsea.

Jane described her life in this way: “My life is not about me; it is about everyone else. I’m a servant, helper, giver.” Jane’s heart and way of life was the fruit of a deep trust in and love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in whose presence she now enjoys the fullness of joy and life forever.

A memorial service will take place on Monday, November 20 at 10:00 AM at Colonial Presbyterian Church, 9500 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64114. Cookie reception to follow.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mtmoriah.net for the Dalbey family.