Jane Ellen Beard Papke passed away March 20, 2023 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jane was born on January 24, 1953 to Norvell and Mary Margaret Beard of Madill, Oklahoma, the third of their four children. She graduated from Madill High School and followed her brother to Oklahoma State University, which ignited a life-long love for all things orange. She later attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant.
Jane married Bruce Papke on June 25, 1977 and settled in Irving, Texas. Twins Preston and Christina came into their lives in 1980, and Katherine in 1981. The family lived in Irving for several years before Jane and the kids moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Preston, Christina, and Katherine were her world, and she was so proud of them and their love for their children.
Jane worked most of her life in the mortgage banking industry, most recently with Associated Mortgage Corporation in Tulsa, where she made many life-long friends (and loved the Vegas trips). She talked often of her coworkers and boss, Jeff. Her family and faith always came first, followed very closely by her obsession for OSU. She looked forward every year to Cowboy football with Herschel and Aunt Johna. Saturdays in the fall were spent in Stillwater cheering on her beloved Pokes, but only after lunch or breakfast at Johna’s. Some of her most precious moments were spent with her children and grandchildren, as a sporting spectator, playing board games, going to the movies, or in the kitchen baking. Raised in a musical family, she loved all types of music; everything from Sousa marches and gospel hymns to Elton John and The Eagles. She loved shopping for bangle bracelets with Mary Beth and would share interesting jewelry finds with grandniece, Ayla who would craft them into new jewelry pieces. Jane was very close to her nephews. She spent much of Chase’s first year living with Chase and Mary Beth in Dallas. She and Wade enjoyed cheering on the Cowboys from row 10, which is very close to Coach Gundy’s ear. Jane once took a trip to the United Kingdom with her mother and loved it so much she returned with Herschel and Nancy a few years later. The military tattoo in Edinburgh, Scotland is likely one of her most favorite experiences.
She is survived by sisters Mary Beth Scott and Nancy Beard Kerr; children Preston (Andrea) Papke of Tulsa, Christina Mathis of Tulsa, and Katherine Papke of Corinth, TX; grandchildren Taylor, Ryan, Allyson, Aaron, U sag sgv (Mary), A yo sgi (Wyatt), Tyler, and Ian; aunt Johna Williams of Stillwater; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, John Herschel.
A keepsake video is available through the funeral home.
FUNERAL SERVICE
First Methodist Church, Madill
Friday, March 24,
2023
2:00 PM
301 West Taliaferro Street
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