R. Jane Newkirk

Rebecca Jane Newkirk, 77, of Shelbyville, died Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006, at Major Hospital. Born Jan. 19, 1929, in Manilla, she was the daughter of the late Rue and Pearl (Bass) Miller. She married Verlin A. "John" Newkirk on Dec. 30, 1950, and he preceded her in death on Jan. 31, 1996. Survivors include one son, Scott (wife, Margaret) Newkirk of Shelbyville; one sister, Marty LeClerc of Lake Sante; and two grandchildren, Andrew S. Newkirk and Sarah J. Newkirk, both of Shelbyville. She also was preceded in death by two sisters, Annabelle M. Haehl and Betty Shepherd. Mrs. Newkirk lived in Indianapolis from 1955 to 2002. She was a legal copy editor with Bobbs-Merrill & Alexander Press from 1965 until retiring in 1994. Mrs. Newkirk graduated in 1946 from Manilla High School and attended Indiana University, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She was a member of Manilla Methodist Church. Mrs. Newkirk was an avid Pacer and Indiana University fan. She enjoyed knitting and crossword puzzles. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Freeman Family Funeral Homes, Carmony-Ewing Broadway Chapel, 232 W. Broadway St. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Cliff Bunch officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Lewis Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, 5998 S. State Road 9, Shelbyville, IN 46176.