Mary Jane Blanken, 96, of Goshen, formerly of Elkhart, died on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Greencroft Healthcare in Goshen.

Mary Jane was born May 1, 1927, in Philadelphia, PA to the late Herbert W. and Helen (Armstrong) Davis.

As Mary Jane Davis, she married Robert M. Blanken on November 6, 1954, in Mt. Airy, PA.  Rob died July 11, 2008.  Surviving is their daughter, Helen A. (Norbert) Ulaszek of Chicago and a nephew, Rev. Donald (Karen) Kirkham of Florence, SC.

Mary Jane received her B.S. in Medical Technology from Temple University and worked at Sharp and Dohme Pharmaceutical Company where she met Robert.  Work then took them both to Elkhart and Mary Jane went back to school, earning her B.A. in Elementary Education from Goshen College and later, her M.A. in Elementary Education from Ball State University.  She taught third, fifth and sixth grade for the Middlebury School Corporation, retiring in 1989.

Memorial services for Mary Jane will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church 200 E. Beardsley Ave. Elkhart at 11 AM.  The Rev. Dr. Sally Wicks will officiate.  Friends may visit with the family immediately following services.  Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.