Etta Jane Birt

Mrs. Etta Jane Birt, 85, of Urbana, died at 8:05 a.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2014 in her residence. She was born on February 2, 1929 in Columbus, OH, a daughter of the late John Francis Mann and Eunice Marie (Wilson) Mann. She attended primary grades in both the Bellefontaine and Columbus school systems, while attending high school classes in Detroit, MI. In addition to her love of being a mother, grandmother and homemaker, she lovingly provided child care for other families. She also worked outside the home during separate intervals at Grimes Mfg. Co. and Ewings Cafeteria, both in Urbana. She married her husband of 63 years, the Rev. LeRoy Birt Jr. on April 2, 1946. He preceded her in death on June 19, 2009. Left to embrace her memory and celebrate her life and legacy are 9 daughters, Becky Marie (Bob) Smith of Urbana, Jill Darlene Birt of Urbana, Sue Ellen Birt of Urbana, Gina Ruth (Jim) Dodds of Bellefontaine, Cindy Jayne (Tony) Moceri of Marysville, Kimberly Jo (Ron) Chamberlin of Urbana, the Rev. Tamara Gay (Cliff) Wenger of West Liberty, Stacey Dee McDaniel of Urbana and Stephanie Anne Birt of Marysville; 2 sons, the Rev. Alvin Lee (Peggy) Birt of Marysville and Jeffrey Todd (Tammila) Birt of Rolla, MO; 28 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Sharon M. (Mann) Newton of Cape Coral, FL and Evelyn Grace (Mann) Pyles of Mesa, AZ; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Not only was she preceded in death by her husband and parents, but also her brothers, William F. Mann and John Wilson Mann; a sister, Neva Ruth (Mann) Dytom; grandson, Addison Jacob Neer; as well as several brothers- and sisters-in-law. The family will receive friends, neighbors and acquaintances from 4 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 in the WALTER & SMITH FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, where a service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 with her son, the Rev. Alvin L. Birt and her daughter, the Rev. Tamara G. Wenger officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Dale Cemetery, Urbana. Grandsons Jeremy S. Birt, Christopher M. Moody, Robert T. Smith, Justin R. Chamberlin, Matthew C.E. Schmucker and Bradley A. R. Blevins will serve as pallbearers. Memorial contributions in Jane’s memory may be made to the Community Mercy Hospice, 444 W. Harding Road, Springfield, OH 45504. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.walterfunerals.com.

Etta Jane Birt

February 2, 1929 - September 4, 2014