Jane Ann Tusten

Jane was born in Lawrence on April 23, 1943. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph W. Tusten and Mary May (Hutton) Tusten. Jane is survived by her brothers Bill Tusten of Olathe, KS and Jay Tusten of Ulysses, KS as well as four nieces, one nephew, two grandnephews, one grandniece and several cousins.

Jane graduated from Lawrence High School in 1961, and in 1965, graduated from The University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She would later complete her master’s degree in education at K.U. In the Fall of 1965, Jane embarked on a career with the Lawrence Public School District teaching first or second graders at Pinckney Elementary and later Schwegler Elementary. In 2000, Jane retired from full-time teaching. Within a few months she was diagnosed with cancer. After surgery to remove the cancer, her Oncologist estimated that Jane had about six months to live. Jane underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment, and, remained cancer free for the remainder of her life. The Oncologist referred to Jane as his “miracle patient”! Jane continued teaching as a substitute for several years and then as a volunteer helping young students develop reading skills. Eventually, Jane had to stop teaching due to mobility issues.

Teaching was not Jane’s only passion. She liked riding horses at an early age and grew up around family dogs. After college Jane purchased a horse (“Matt”) to ride. Jane was a very active member of the Lawrence Jayhawk Kennel Club for some fifty years, holding every post in the Club. For many years she taught obedience classes offered by the Kennel Club. She owned, bred, and showed dogs that included Basenjis, Cardigan Welsh Corgis and Portuguese Podengos. Jane’s dogs successfully competed in many states in Confirmation, Lure Coursing and Scent Work events.

Jane was not a religious person. Yet she touched many lives with her compassion for individuals and causes that addressed various social issues. She donated time and money to worthy causes. She was a willing listener and cared about all people (and animals). Jane’s deeds throughout her life really define her as a person.

She is missed.