PHOENIX, Ariz. – After a long battle with cancer, Jane G. Marlatt passed away on Oct. 11, 2017, at the home of her daughter, Anita Mittner. She was 80 years old.
Jane was born on Aug. 3, 1937. The daughter of Harley D. (Bill) and Goldie Mitchell-Marlatt, who were wheat farmers outside of Hawk Springs, Jane was very active through-out school. She was a cheerleader, played in two sports, was elected class officer, and was also a member of National Girls State.
After graduation, she married Leonard Fuss, a sugar beet farmer, and had five children before divorcing and moving to North Platte, Neb.
Jane raised her children by herself working two jobs most of the time until her children were grown. She then moved to Phoenix and four of her children soon followed and moved there as well. After her father was diagnosed with cancer, Jane moved to Torrington to be his caregiver until his passing. During that time she renewed a relationship with her high school love, Les McBride. He was the love of her life. They rode their Harley motorcycles, loved to attend any kind of racecar events, went camping in their RV, and enjoyed time with friends and family. She was also his caregiver at their home until his death from cancer 13 years later.
While in Torrington, Jane owned a laundromat and the Chuck Wagon Restaurant until retiring to Arizona to be near three of her children. She sold her businesses and built a home in Maricopa, Ariz.
Jane then started her battle with bone cancer. She had already survived two forms of cancer earlier in life. After a lengthy battle she moved in with her daughter Anita last year. Anita became her caregiver with help from Hospice of the Valley during the last months of her life.
She is remembered as a strong, hardworking, caring mother who taught her children how much a parent loves her children, to have a strong work ethic, honesty, pride and responsibility. Jane was both a mother and father to her children and worked very hard all of her life. She took her children camping, made their clothes that looked store bought, and was an excellent cook (especially her German Food). She never stopped helping her children, even as adults. They feel they have lost a part of themselves, their souls and their hearts.
Jane is survived by her five children; Lynn, Anita, Robin, Brad, and Glen; daughter-in-law Carrie; son-in-laws Pat Curran and Dave Mittner; and 10 grandchildren.
Cremation Services will be in Phoenix and she will be laid to rest with her parents in Torrington at a later date.
A special thanks to Hospice of the Valley for keeping her as pain free as possible during the last months of her battle.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014
