Jane B. Merritt

Marian Jane Brown was born to Lois and Merrill Brown on February 26, 1933, and went to heaven on March 14, 2026. She grew up in the family compound with her brother and sister, aunts, uncles, and cousins in New Albany, Indiana. The area was called Brown’s Station for the Interurban train that had a stop there. She attended McCullough School, then New Albany High School, and graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Education and Journalism in 1955. She found her lifelong friends at IU at the Delta Gamma Sorority house. All of them loved Jane so much that on the Indy 500 Race Weekend in 1955, they introduced her to their long-time school friend from Indianapolis, Jim Merritt. They had the undercover plan of finding a reason for Jane to move to Indy. It worked and Jim and Jane married on February 25, 1956. All these friends were lifelong companions and raised all their children together as friends. Jim and Jane moved to Franklin, Indiana. She traveled to Columbus High School daily until June 1956 when they moved to Indianapolis. In 1957, when they moved to Indy, Jane taught at Howe High School.

A busy life of being a wife, mother, and volunteer began. Within five years, Jill, Jim Jr, and Jeff were born. The Merritt home became a gathering place for friends and family. She was a master hostess and loved to entertain. The Annual Costume party in the summer was anticipated all year long by their friends, who couldn’t wait to see what the theme for the party would be.

She and Jim traveled the world with the family business, Ross and Babcock Travel. Some of her favorite spots were Hawaii, the UK, Italy and France.

Jane volunteered as a docent at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. She joined the Junior League of Indianapolis and served as president in the years 1972-74. She also volunteered as a member of the Red Cross Board in Indianapolis and was a Girl Scout leader for Jill’s troop. She served as editor of the program for the US Men’s and Women’s Clay Court Championships, the RCA Championships, and the Indianapolis Tennis Championships during their tenure in Indiana.

Gardening, reading, and writing were her passions. She started a book club with her friends that is still meeting today. Her gardens were always spectacular with many cutting flowers adorning the Merritt home. Each Christmas, Jane wrote a story called the Party Animals and then read it for the grandchildren at the family holiday party. This is a special memory for all the grandchildren that they all still talk about. Every story involved a different Beanie Baby, (the little animals were a present for each of them), which they loved and looked forward to each year.

Jane was a loving, giving, thoughtful, witty person that had a huge group of friends. She was the life of every party. Jane lived each day to the fullest and will be so missed by her friends and family. We would like to thank all of Jane’s caregivers but especially Julie, Candice, and Jordan. They took wonderful care of her in her final days.

Jane is survived by her beloved husband of 70 years, James W. Merritt Sr, her three children, Dr Jill Burns, James Jr, (Susan,) Jeffrey, (Kristen,) 8 grandchildren, 6 bonus grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Her parents, sister Sandy and brother Kent are having a wonderful reunion with her in heaven.

Remembrance donations in memory of Jane can be made to the Indiana Parkinson Foundation, 14350 Mundy Dr #800, Noblesville, IN 46060, or any charity of your choice.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jane’s life at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 North Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46260 on Friday March 20,2026 at 11:30 a.m. Calling will be at 10:30 a.m. one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial at Washington Park North will be for the family and private. Leppert Mortuary is lovingly handling arrangements, and you are invited to share a memory of Jane online at www.leppertmortuary.com.