Jayne Coones

Jayne Coones, age 44, of Olathe, Kansas, died Sunday afternoon, December 17, after a long, brave battle with breast cancer. She was, and forever will be, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

Jayne Anne Gilworth was born April 5, 1962, in Alton, Illinois. She grew up in Springfield, Missouri, and Overland Park, Kansas. She married Tom Coones, her high school sweetheart, on December 12, 1981. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary last Tuesday.

Jayne was proud and happy to be a full-time mom and homemaker. In her quiet way she taught everyone she met how to be a better, more loving parent. She cherished her three children – Jared Thomas, born in 1988; Meghan Jayne, born in 1990; and John Jared, born in 2000 – and delighted in all children, feeling a deep compassion for those with special needs. She wanted all children to learn early how to live in peace and respect each other. Her ways were heavenly.

Two days before Jayne died, Meghan (who is 16) wrote: "I am the luckiest daughter in the world. My Mom has always loved me and provided me with anything I ever need. I'll always remember her beautiful smile and loud laugh. She has always been so strong and inspirational. She has truly changed my life. She has inspired me to become a nurse when I'm older so that I can help others who are going through similar situations. Although my Mom's time on earth is coming to an end, she has left a legacy. So many people, everyone that has known her, have been touched by her. She is the best mom in the world and I am so blessed to be her daughter. Her last words to me were, 'I love you so much. Forever and ever and ever.' These words were hard for her to say, and I know she truly meant this. I will always love her and remember her, forever and a day. I love you, Mom! Love, your daughter, Meghan"

Jayne grew up with a strong belief in God and Heaven. Her faith deepened during the years when Jared fought his long, brave battle with leukemia, finally dying at age 10 in 1998. During those years Tom always said that the family found its strength in Jayne. (She said it came from Jared.) After Jared's death, Jayne and Tom founded the annual Jared Coones Memorial Pumpkin Run to celebrate Jared's life and to help others in need. So far the race has raised over $200,000 for organizations that supported the Coones family. It is just one example of Jayne and Tom's stunning ability to emerge from their own personal sorrow with a gift of faith and hope for others.

Tom says, "Jayne lived with Christ in her heart. Always others first, her needs last. She is most deserving of Heaven, and I know she is there now with Jared."

Jayne is survived on earth by her husband Tom; daughter Meghan; son John; parents Bob and Sharon Gilworth; sister Jill Matthews and her children Shannon and Corey Clarke; sister Jena Gerwick; mother- and father-in-law Don and Sumi Coones; sister-in-law Carol Oskvig and her children Matt, Stephen, Daniel, and Adam; sister-in-law Judy Porting and her son Bryan; brother-in-law Mike Coones and his wife Debra and their children Logan and Maddison; and many many dear friends.

To leave a message for Jayne's family, please visit www.RememberJayne.com. Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Jayne's memory to the Jared Coones Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 3314, Olathe, KS 66063-3314.