Obituary of Jeane Locke

Mrs. Jeane Locke, age 92, of Beavercreek, Ohio and McMurray, PA, died peacefully with her daughter at her bedside on July 4th, 2024, in Pearland, Texas. Jeane was born September 24, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan. She was the precious daughter of Joseph “Henry” and Bess Prather and the younger sister to Betty Jo Kasco. 

She was a devoted, loving and sometimes precocious daughter who eventually grew to become a smart and independent woman, who enjoyed traveling with girlfriends, living on her own and excelling as an Executive Secretary for many years with Wykoff Steel in Detroit. On January 31, 1959, after dating for 2 years, she married her soulmate, Donald Locke. They had two children and lived in Detroit until her husband’s growing career as a District Sales Manager for Cadillac transferred them in 1972 to Pittsburgh, Pa. In 1975, the family was again transferred to New Jersey where they spent two years before being transferred again (way to go, dad!) to McMurray, Pa. where they established their permanent home.  At this point, her kids were teenagers, and she went back to work as an Executive School secretary managing two elementary schools in Peters Township from 1978-1986. Always a go getter!

Jeane was an active member of Peters Creek United Presbyterian Church. She 
was ordained as an Elder, was Chair of the Music & Worship Commission, and also the Fellowship Commission. She served also as a Deacon. She was Chair of the Memorial Committee and also the Leader of the Women's Evening Circle for a couple of years. She sang in the Choir for decades as member, was on the Search Committee to find a new Organist and Choir Director.  She and her husband were Chairpersons of the 200th Anniversary of Peters Creek U. P. Church in 1995. In her spare time, Jeane volunteered at the Presbyterian SeniorCare Facility in Washington, Pa. for many years. She sang and directed a Sing-along Program for the elderly there. Mrs. Locke was elected Auxilian of the Year in 1992. She also served as President of the Auxiliary from 1999 to 2001. Jeane’s hobbies were gardening, especially the growing of roses, silk floral arrangements/wreaths, home decorating, reading and walking. 

Jeane was preceded in death by her beloved husband Don, who passed away in 2006. During the last 7 years of her life, she valiantly battled vascular dementia and was an inspiration to all who knew her. Many of her caregivers remarked how they loved her dry wit and loving, generous nature. And of course she could be a firecracker! She is dearly missed and survived by her son, Bob Locke, (husband Paul Smith) of Cincinnati Ohio and her daughter, Nancy Peskin (husband Steve) who resides in Pearland, TX.  

We are comforted by her strong love of the Lord and know she is celebrating her new life with Jesus and our dad, her parents and extended family in paradise! Until we see you again, Mom, farewell and soar! Love you more.