Jane LaFaber

Jane LaFaber (née Ahlman), age 76, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to her family, a lifelong passion for the arts, and an incomparable commitment to education. Born on March 26, 1950, in Mentor, Ohio, to the late John and Margaret Ahlman, Jane spent most of her adult life in Woodsfield, Ohio, before writing a vibrant new chapter in Sun City, South Carolina, for the past 22 years.

A dedicated educator who graduated from Westminster College in PA and who truly never stopped teaching, Jane’s remarkable 40-year career spanned two states and touched the lives of well over 1,000 students, primarily at Woodsfield Elementary in Ohio and Cross Schools in South Carolina. She possessed a special gift for helping young minds discover the joy of reading, instilling confidence and a love for learning in generations of children. Even after retiring twice, her heart always remained that of a teacher, forever guiding, encouraging, and inspiring those around her.

Beyond the classroom, Jane was a lover of the arts and a proud Ohio State Buckeye fan, though for her, it was really about the marching band. Her deep affection for animals was legendary, and she has been reunited with her beloved horses, Wilbur, Bunny, and Genie, and her cherished dogs, Tinker, Ginger, Abby, and Buffy.

At the center of Jane’s life was her 52-year partnership with her devoted husband, Denzil (Denny). Together, their retirement was far from a quiet slowdown; it was the launch of an entire second act. Moving south to Sun City, they embraced coastal living, sun-filled adventures, and an extraordinary community of neighbors and friends who made the good times even better and the difficult times bearable. Their journey together was a masterclass in deep companionship, shared humor, and continuous discovery.

In addition to Denzil, Jane is survived by her sons, Adam and Matt (Laura); her grandchildren, Marissa, Mackenzie, Tori, and Jackson; her sister, Karen (Dale); her niece, Becky (Justin) and great-nephew, Niklas; beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members, students, and neighbors; and her giant companion, Blue.

A memorial service will be held on August 26 at 11:00 AM at Bluffton United Methodist Church, where Jane was a proud and active member. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the church in her honor.

Jane’s warmth, generosity, and boundless dedication to her students, her animals, and her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.