Jane E. Peak

Jane Elizabeth Peak (nee Hovious), 82, of Olney, died Monday, August 5, 2024.

Jane was born on June 27, 1942, in Mattoon, Illinois, to Joseph Rex and Helen (Swanson) Hovious. She grew up in Mattoon, Illinois, and graduated from Mattoon High School in 1960. She married E. Kenton Peak on March 25, 1961, in Mattoon, Illinois.

Jane graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor's and Master’s degree in Education. She taught 4th grade for 33 years, first at Cherry Street School, then Central School, and finished her career at Richland County Elementary School. After retirement, Jane worked with the Department of Interior-National Park Service in the Division of Interpretation, Education, and Visitor Services at George Rogers Clark National Historic Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Padre Island National Sea Shore, Everglades National Park, and Gateway Arch National Park. She was a member of the Red Hill Dulcimer Society, East Central Illinois Master Naturalist Program and Book Club, and the First Presbyterian Church, PEO Sisterhood-FR Chapter, Audubon Society-Ridgway Chapter, pickleball senior group, and Silver Sneakers, in Olney, Illinois.

Jane enjoyed being with her children and grandchildren and spending time in nature. For many years, the family showed American Quarter Horses. She also enjoyed taking care of the home place and bird watching.

Jane is survived by her daughter, Beth Sheldon and husband, Jim, of Troy, Illinois; son, Brad Peak and wife, Janie, of Parkville, Missouri; daughter, Becky Peak, of Conway, Arkansas; grandchildren Ryan Sheldon, Daniel Sheldon, and spouse, Aspen Gillman, of Collinsville, Illinois; Kelsey Sheldon and husband Erik Wilson of Glen Carbon, Illinois; Sam Peak of Washington D.C., Will Peak and wife Jennifer Murray-Peak of Kansas City, Missouri, and Joe Peak of Kansas City, Missouri; brother Joe Hovious and wife Janet, of Sandy Hook, Connecticut; and brother, Richard Hovious and wife Linda, of Gansevoort, New York.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Hovious, father, Rex Hovious, stepbrother, Robert Musk, stepmother, Elizabeth Hovious, and husband Kent Peak.

A visitation will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Olney on Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 11:00 to 1:00 P.M. followed by a memorial service beginning at 1:00 P. M.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Parks Conservation Association (https://www.npca.org/), the Red Hill Dulcimer Society (c/o Joan Brian, 205 E. North Ave., Sumner, IL 62466), and the First Presbyterian Church.