Jane E. Hines

Jane Elizabeth Hines, age 67, of Chadwick, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 31, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, at Hope United Methodist Church in Chadwick. Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, at Law Jones Funeral Home in Mt. Carroll. Additional visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship fund has been established in Jane’s memory.

Jane was born on June 8, 1958, the daughter of Charles and Shirley (Prowant) Aude. Raised on the family farm outside of Chadwick, she was a proud graduate of Chadwick High School, Class of 1976. She continued her formal education by first attending Rockford University and then IL State University. Although she did not complete her degree at that time—spending more hours in dance classes than graduation requirements—she made many lifelong friends during those years. She also met her first husband, Ross Lowe, during her time performing at Timber Lake Playhouse. She loved the performing arts and was a lifelong supporter of TLP. Jane opened her own dance studio in Mt. Carroll, IL in 1986, where she shared her passion for dance with many youth in the area for the next 14 years.

In 1999, Jane transitioned from being a dance teacher to a math teacher after she finished her Bachelor’s Degree from Western IL University in December 1998. She was deeply committed to helping students feel confident and cared for in her positive learning environments. One of her strengths was reaching students who didn’t like math. She found creative ways to help them be successful and gain confidence. She truly loved being a teacher and loved her students even more, keeping in touch with many of them long after they graduated.

Jane and Rick Hines were wed on October 27, 2010 after dating many years prior. Together they enjoyed spending their time gardening and socializing with friends. Jane was an avid traveler who loved exploring the world, sometimes coaxing Rick along for the ride. From the majestic views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado Rockies to the icy beauty of Alaska, Jane found wonder in every journey. Some of her most cherished recent memories were made during yearly trips south with friends. Her last vacation was spent checking one more destination off the bucket list, Hawaii. She was always up for a vacation but loved traveling with her granddaughters and daughter the most.

Jane was a social butterfly who cherished her many friendships spanning every decade of her life. Whether it was a lively "girls' night" or a quiet conversation, she was always up for a good time. She had a huge heart, was a good friend, and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. Her amazing sense of humor remained intact through life’s many hardships and challenges. A lifelong member of Hope United Methodist Church, Jane’s faith was a quiet, steady presence in her life.

Above all, Jane was a family woman. She took immense pride in being a mother, grandmother, and daughter. She loved spending time with her family, playing card games, sharing laughs, and having family meals together. Most importantly to her were her granddaughters; she treasured every moment spent in their company.

Jane will be dearly missed by her loving husband, Rick Hines of Chadwick; her daughter, Anne (Robert) Pilgrim of Milledgeville; her mother, Shirley Aude Slothower of Milledgeville; her sister, Jill Laczko of Nashville, TN; her three beloved granddaughters, Natalie, Elaina, and Allie Pilgrim; her nephew Briand (Katie) Lazcko of Nashville, TN and her niece Stefanie (Stefan) Borghesani of Mt. Juliet, TN.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Aude, and her daughter, Erin Lowe.