Mary Jane Huxtable-Koch, 93, passed away April 13, 2020 in Omaha after living in Lincoln, NE, for over 60 years. Born April 4, 1927 in Lansing, Michigan to Arthur E. and Lola (DePue) Smith. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Founding and long time member (1953) of Eastridge Presbyterian Church, Lincoln NE. She held many leadership roles in her church and the Lincoln community.
Mary Jane graduated from Michigan State University and was married to the love of her life Thomas C. Huxtable in June 1948. Tom and Mary Jane were married for 46 years until his death in 1994. They moved to Lincoln in 1953 where they raised their 4 children. She taught public school in inner city Chicago and in the Lincoln Public Schools, led 4H groups, and was on the Board of Directors and taught classes at the YWCA, taught Bethel Bible classes and had many leadership roles in her church. She was a PEO and Lancaster County Home Extension member. She was an accomplished musician, taught piano lessons, and directed vocal choirs and handbell choirs in the church, and was the creator of all types of arts and handwork. She loved the out of doors, grew exceptionally beautiful plants and flowers but especially loved the trees.
Her family was always her priority and she loved and enjoyed them deeply. She was a lifelong learner who was curious about the world and especially accepting of all people. She had a way of imparting happiness and a zest for living, and one of her favorite sayings was “Bloom where you are planted.” People loved her for her ability to listen with kindness and her sense of humor. Mary Jane was a gifted conversationalist who made people feel valued and accepted and loved for who they were. The family cottage at Lake City, MI was her favorite place to be. She had a deep tenderness and love for children; and was always ready for a ‘Tin Roof’ sundae.
Family members include: daughters Jean (Dan) Hamersky and Ann (Tom) Huxtable-Scates; sons Tom (Denise) Huxtable and Paul (Cindy) Huxtable; 11 grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren, and 2 sister in laws. Preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers (Robert and Jack), and husbands Thomas C. Huxtable; and Robert Koch (married from 1997 until his death in 2016).
Private family burial service at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery April 29, 2020. Public memorial service at a later date to be determined.
Cards to the family, and Memorials, can be sent in her name to Eastridge Presbyterian Church, 1135 Eastridge Dr., Lincoln, NE 68510.