Jane B. Arata

Jane Baltzell (Lephart) Arata died peacefully on December 12, 2025. She was born on February 9, 1930, in Palestine, Ohio to parents Emerson and Sally Lephart. She was known for her kindness, patience and generosity, particularly towards her children and extended family. She willingly helped whenever and wherever needed even if it meant traveling out of state or missing a special trip.

Jane was a talented musician who attended the Goodman Theatre School in Chicago, sang in the chorus of the St. Louis Summer Opera and worked as a pianist in different hotels right after high school. She studied voice at IU Bloomington for two years until her marriage to Jim. Jane and Jim lived all over the United States and Europe before settling in Fort Wayne. While raising her eight children she also found time to host musical gatherings, write poetry, compose music and continue to sing opera.

She obtained a degree in music therapy in the 1980's and worked as an activities director at the Fort Wayne State Developmental Center. After that she created and ran the Home Visitors program in which she personally matched volunteers with homebound people.

Jane is survived by her sister Nancy Tipple, her children Elaine Arata (Mark Pecevich), Cindy Heinze, Nancy, Jim (Gina), Cheryl, Tim (Loretta Jones), Lisa (Mark) Yde as well as 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Dr. James (Jim), her sister Susan Ferverda and her daughter Maureen.

Please join us in celebrating a Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 AM Thursday December 18, 2025, at St. Patrick Church 12305 Arcola Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46818, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 6:00- 8:00 pm Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home 1320 E. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, IN. Burial and committal at Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne, IN. Memorials may be made to Eleos Hospice or St. Patrick Catholic Church, Arcola.