Margaret Jane Elders

Jane Elders passed away peacefully on Friday, November 23, 2018. Graveside Celebration of her life is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at the East Greenwood Cemetery in Weatherford, Texas. Memorials can be made to the Humane Society of North Texas, Alzheimer’s Foundation, or your church. Jane was born on April 20, 1927 to Joel R. (Joe) and Florence Ross of Brock, Texas, where she grew up and then attended Weatherford High School where, during her senior year, she was the Drum Major for the school band.  She married John A. (Buddy) Elders when he returned to Weatherford in 1945 after serving as a Navy Pilot in World War II.  They lived in Weatherford and had two children, Craig and Melody Elders.  Craig graduated from TCU and eventually worked there until he retired in 2011 to take care of his Mom and Dad, an opportunity to give back to his wonderful parents.  Melody died at age 17 in San Antonio, where the family lived for almost 30 years.  After retirement, Jane and Buddy moved back to Weatherford in 1987 to be closer to their family and friends.  They were members of the First Baptist Church of Weatherford.Jane was a wonderful musician.  She served several churches as pianist and organist.  Having a theatre organ in her home made music a part of their lives – entertaining many guests and family.  She was known for her cooking and her pies.  Buddy was known for his homemade bread.  Almost daily, they baked and took pies and bread to shut-ins, those who were ill, friends, and those that needed a little treat.  They loved animals and always had pets throughout their lives. Craig would like to give thanks to the Angel Caregivers as well as the entire staff at the Silverado Memory Care Community in Fort Worth for taking such good care of his Mom for over 3 years.  It was a quick drive daily for Craig to visit and eventually help his Mom do things she could no longer do for herself and to eat her meals.  Jane was moved there after 4 years living with Buddy at the Holland Lake Nursing Home in Weatherford, and thanks is also offered to them for taking care of both Jane and Buddy until Buddy’s death in 2015 of Parkinson’s disease. Jane was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, Buddy; her parents; her sister, Mary Ann Cox of Weatherford; brother, Ben Rice Ross of Dallas; and her precious daughter, Melody. Survivors include her son, Craig, of Fort Worth; and a number of nieces and nephews.