Eleanor McClure Janes

Eleanor McClure Janes, 94, died peacefully March 13, 2021, in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she had lived all her life. She was the daughter of William L. and Jane (Carson) McClure and widow of Dr. Ray L. Janes, her husband of 49 years. Eleanor’s faith — and love of her family and music — defined her life.

She had served in her teens as Youth Pastor at Sutherland Presbyterian Church, founded by her grandfather, the Reverend Dr. William C. Carson, and was later a deacon, chorister, and longtime member of Irvington Presbyterian Church. After graduating from Shortridge High School, Eleanor attended Butler University and performed in The Five Queens, a singing ensemble. Among her many community involvements, she was a member of the New Bethel Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, had been president of Thomas Carr Howe High School’s Parent-Teacher Association and assisted with her husband’s dental practice in Irvington.

Eleanor is survived by her son, Ray Janes (Mary Jo), of Jacksonville, Florida, and daughters, Ruth Arnold (Dave) of Indianapolis and Nancy Coombs (Clive) of Oakville, Ontario, Canada; grandchildren, Mary Beth Duggal (Raj) and Jane and Peter Coombs; and great-grandchildren, Theodore and Rosalie Duggal. She is survived also by two sisters, Ruth Tout (Frank) and Jane Bielawski, and her large extended family. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her sisters, Mary Dunlevy and Elizabeth Shipley, and brothers, William and Robert McClure.

Eleanor’s quiet strength and positivity - as well as her love of languages – shone through to the end. She never took her blessings for granted and would often thank others with a casual “merci beaucoup”. Gardening and the color blue were also favorites of Eleanor, a McClure through and through, and she relished a lively game of table tennis where her tenacity came to the fore. Eleanor’s greatest joy was spending time with her ever-growing family.

A private service will take place at Crown Hill Funeral Home followed by a burial at Crown Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Irvington Presbyterian Church or WICR 88.7 FM public radio station through the University of Indianapolis. The family’s gratitude is extended to Eleanor’s caregivers at Magnolia Springs Southpointe for their loving support.