Glenna “Jane” O’Kelley was born Glenna Jane Weaver in Boise, Idaho, on June 14, 1936, to Glen Weaver and Frieda (Jenkins) Weaver. She died Feb. 4, 2011, at the age of 75.
Jane moved with her family, including her two sisters, Kay Roodzant and Joan Norman, to San Luis Obispo, Calif., in 1945. She later graduated from San Luis Obispo High School in 1953. Jane was the oldest of the three “Weaver girls” and never missed a chance to look after her younger siblings, whether they wanted it or not.
After attending one year at Whitworth College, Jane married Theodore “Ted” Zylstra in 1954. They moved to Seattle where Ted attended law school at the University of Washington. Jane and Ted moved to Oak Harbor in 1957 where Ted launched his legal career.
Jane and Ted had two children, Deborah (Zylstra) Skinner, 55, and Bradley Zylstra, 48. Debbie resides with her husband, Christon Skinner in Oak Harbor. Bradley and his wife, Melissa, live in Renton.
Jane thoroughly cherished her life on Whidbey Island, the place she called home for nearly 55 years. She enjoyed cooking, boating, gardening, travel and most of all her family and friends. She was very active in the First Reformed Church and various women’s ministries. Jane was always happy to serve her community; whether with a delicious meal during times of sorrow or illness, or simply loving words of encouragement and spiritual inspiration. Her spirit and energy were directed not only to family, friends, and relatives; but to just about anyone who needed a bit of kindness and a prayer.
Jane was a loving grandmother to her seven grandchildren: Paul and Justin Skinner, Rachel and Benjamin Zylstra, Katie and Taylor Bell and Hazel O’Kelley. She was adoringly known to them as “Bami.” The grandchildren kept her young at heart and they were always guaranteed a smile and hug – no matter the occasion.
In 1985, Jane married Joseph O’Kelley, her high school sweetheart. Jane and Joe made their home in Oak Harbor after they renewed their “first love” for one another in a marriage that spanned 25 years. They also enjoyed their second home as “snowbirds” in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Jane and Joe spent many evenings enjoying spectacular sunsets, a daily feeding of their favorite roadrunner “Archie,” and many occasions entertaining friends and family in the warmth of the Arizona winters.
After struggling with debilitating arthritis and congestive heart failure, Jane went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Feb. 4, 2011 during a visit to the Arizona residence. At the time of her death, Jane was surrounded by her children and husband and able to pass on peacefully at home.
Jane is survived by her husband, Joseph O’Kelley; her two children, Deborah Skinner and Bradley Zylstra; two step-children, Molly and Jim Pfennings and Patrick and Vicky O’Kelley; and her seven grandchildren. Jane is also survived by two sisters, Kay Roodzant of Oak Harbor and Joan Norman who resides in Los Altos, Calif.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate Jane’s life at the First Reformed Church in Oak Harbor at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26. Graveside services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Memorial gifts may be sent to: Hospice of Havasu, Inc. PO Box 597, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405 (http://www.hospicehavasu.org). Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, where friends may go online at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com to sign a guest register and leave memories for the family.
