Jayne Areaux

A woman who was content in all things, Jayne Areaux brought such beauty and warmth to the world around her. If there was one thing she was known for it was her gift of hospitality as all were welcome not only in her home, but also in her heart. Jayne spent a lifetime caring for others whether her siblings, her children, or someone in need of a tender touch. It was common knowledge that Jayne lived and breathed for the Detroit Tigers as she was surely their number one fan. A true joy in every way, she made such a difference in the lives of countless others who will miss her dearly.

The decade that became known as the Roaring Twenties was a great time to be an American. We emerged from WWI as a world leader and prosperity dominated much of the decade. Advancements in technology were being made in the world of television and motion pictures and with a deep longing to change the world, Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart were poised to take to the skies. It was amidst this unprecedented time that there was much to celebrate for one young family from South Bend, Indiana, as they were pleased to announce the healthy birth of a baby girl on August 8, 1921. Jayne was welcomed into the arms of her parents, James and Georgia (Smith) Sousley, and was one of five children in her family including her brothers, Eugene, Robert, and Marvin, and one sister, Florence. Her parents were farmers and while Jayne was still a little girl their family moved to Almena, Michigan, located just to the northeast of Paw Paw. Jayne attended local schools but when tragedy struck in their family with the death of her mother, Jayne was needed at home and left school. She was just 14 years old at the time, but she took on the responsibility of raising her younger siblings.

Life would never be the same for Jayne when she met the young man with whom she would share a lifetime of love. He was a handsome young fellow named Basil G. Areaux and they met when he was delivering gravel to Jayne’s neighbor’s house. Upon first glance they were both smitten with one another, and they went on their first date the very next day. A romance blossomed between them, and they became husband and wife on January 25, 1941.

For the first part of their marriage they owned a farm in the Ketchem Hill area of Gobles, but they later pursued a different opportunity. They moved to Plainwell and purchased Plainwell Lanes in 1962, and it has been in the family ever since. Together they also raised three wonderful children: Phil, Ken, and Janet. Jayne was a wonderful mother, although she may argue that becoming a grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother was perhaps the best part of the whole deal. She adored all nine of her grandchildren who later added 23 great-grandchildren and even five great-great-grandchildren to her family tree.

When Jayne and Basil were ready to retire, their sons Phil & Ken purchased the bowing alley from them. This provided them with the opportunity to spend the seventies and eighties enjoying the warm Florida weather. As a resident there, Jayne loved golfing, bowling, and fishing. She was a warm and inviting hostess whose spare bedroom was always filled with countless friends or family members from the north. Everyone knew they were always more than welcome at Jayne’s home and that once there, they were in for the royal treatment.

Although she lived in Florida for many years, Jayne never stopped loving the Detroit Tigers. She was always their biggest fan and made it known that one of the best days of her life was when her beloved team won the World Series in 1968. Jayne also loved traveling with one of her favorite destinations being the Bahamas.

As she entered the sunset of her life, Jayne experienced both peaks and valleys along her life’s journey. She continued to delight in spending time with her loved ones as often as she could. Jayne was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved husband on March 14, 2002, after 61 years of marriage. Jayne lived on her own for a time but for the last two years, she had been living with her granddaughter, Kelly, and her family in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

There was so much to love about Jayne Areaux whether it was her nurturing spirit, her hostess skills that were unmatched, or her great sense of humor. She was friendly and enjoyed being social throughout her long and fulfilling life. According to Jayne there was nothing better than time spent with loved ones no matter what they were doing. Life will never be the same without Jayne here, but all who knew her will be forever grateful for having been touched by such an extraordinary woman.

Jayne Areaux of Plainwell died on April 13, 2011 in Spartanburg, S.C. Jayne’s family includes her children: Phil (Lona) Areaux of Plainwell, Ken (Kathy) Areaux of Union City and Janet (Robert) Garza of Hawley Texas; nine grandchildren, twenty-three great- grandchildren five great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Jayne was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Basil, three brothers and one sister. Following her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). Please visit Jayne’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign her memory book and make a memorial donation to Wings of Hope Hospice or Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes.