Mary Jane Olney

Mary Jane Olney passed away Saturday night, February 25, 2012, at home after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma. She was surrounded by her family who had cared for her nonstop and maintained a loving constant vigil by her side. She had just turned 71 years old.

Mary Jane Olney was born in Fort Dodge to Don and Vivian Cole on December 12, 1940 where she lived until she was three and then moved to Des Moines, Iowa. She met her future husband, Gary Olney, at Elmwood Elementary School and they ended up attending Drake University together. Mary Jane received her B.S. and M.S. from Drake University.

Mary Jane taught first grade before raising a family and was actively involved in the alumnae of the Delta Gamma sorority. Mary Jane was a loving, giving, caring, selfless mother and wife. She had endless energy, an infectious humor, boundless spirituality, integrity, character, a strong work ethic, and high expectations.

After her children were older, she went back to work and was the Christian Education Director at Windsor Presbyterian Church, the Director of Human Resources at EMC, the Administrative Division Director at the Department of Agriculture overseeing a staff of 500 for 18 years, and the Deputy Director at the Department of Cultural Affairs. Mary Jane received the Golden Dome Award for Leadership at the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, which was bestowed by Governor Chet Culver. It is the highest award given to a state employee.

Mary Jane was retired. Although she was retired, she found it hard to slow down. She was appointed and served as a member of the Terrace Hill Commission. She also always had many projects she was working on as she had boundless energy.

Mary Jane was a wonderful cook, a great entertainer, and put on the greatest holidays especially Christmases and Thanksgivings. She loved her family and cared that they were happy, educated and productive. She loved her granddaughter more than words can say and was so excited to see her every day.

She also loved her friends. She respected her peers and co-workers while expecting them to achieve their goals and objectives.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents Don and Vivian Cole. Mary Jane is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Gary of West Des Moines; her daughter Melissa Olney; her daughter Jennifer Olney of West Des Moines and her granddaughter Madison Olney of West Des Moines.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 1, 2012 at McLaren’s Chapel. Funeral services will be held 1:30 P.M. Friday, March 2, 2012 at McLaren's Chape. Memorial contributions may be made to West Des Moines Christian Church.