E. Jane Reath, age 97 of Fremont, passed away on Friday, January 28, 2022 at Boulder Creek Assisted Living Center in Rockford, Michigan. Jane was born on January 17, 1925 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to Samuel and Edna (Rolland) Nissley. After graduating from McCaskey High School in 1942 she enrolled at Indiana State Teachers College in Indiana, Pennsylvania. She transferred her senior year to Michigan State University where she received her Teachers Certification and a Bachelor's Degree in Art. She continued her studies at MSU and achieved a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling. While a student at MSU Jane worked at the MSU Student Union where she met her future husband, Alexander Norman Reath. They were married on August 26, 1949. After graduation, Jane taught art at Lansing Sexton High School until the couple moved to Fremont. Years later she had an opportunity to teach art for a partial year at Fremont Middle School before accepting a position as a High School Guidance Counselor at Fremont High School. Jane was an active member of the Fremont United Methodist Church volunteering in the Sunday School program and other areas of Church life. In 1965 She was the first woman since the 1930's to be elected to the Fremont Board of Education. She subsequently served on the Michigan Association of School Boards, the Newaygo Intermediate Board of Education, the Newaygo County Mental Health Board, the Fremont Area District Library Board, and on the Fremont Area Community Foundations Scholarship Committee. In later years she and Norm did volunteer work for True North. She enjoyed traveling with Norm, spending time with her family, drawing, working with stained glass, going to exercise classes, and working in the yard. Jane is survived by her children, Jane (Paul) Sawin of Manton; Carol (Greg) Josefowicz of Fennville; Norma (Steve) Roelfsema of Cadillac; and Scott (Carla) Reath of Las Vegas, Nevada; her grandchildren, William Sawin; Andrew (Megan) Sawin; Leslie (Max) Weigandt; Lynne (John) Frank; Lauren Josefowicz; Erik (Gina) Peterson; Dr. Stephen (Dr. Maria Hassan) Peterson; Tyler (Diana) Roelfsema; Alexander (Allie) Reath; Nicholas Reath; 7 great-grandchildren; and many special friends. Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Norm, on October 9, 2021. They were married 72 Years. Following the family's wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life service will occur at Sherman Township Cemetery in the spring. Friends are asked to consider the Fremont Area Community Foundation for the Jane and Norm Reath Scholarship Fund. The family welcomes shared memories and condolences at www.crandellfh.com. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel. 231-924-0800 To plant Memorial Trees in memory of E. Jane Reath, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Private Services

Private graveside services will be held in the spring of 2022