Jane Black

Jane York Black, 84, of Ruidoso, NM, formerly of Houston, TX and Monterey, MA, died peacefully at her mountain cabin on June 21 with family at her side.

Jane was the younger of two daughters born to John Barry York and Alice Michaux York in Houston on July 7, 1932. She graduated from Lamar High School and the University of Texas at Austin. She married John Raymond Black in 1954 and together had six daughters. In 1968 Jane earned a teaching certificate from the University of Houston and taught English for twenty-six years at Memorial High School in Houston. Jane was devoted to her students, many of whom became life-long friends. She received a "Most Influential Teacher" award from Stanford University at the recommendation of a top graduate and former student. After retirement in 1994 Jane relocated to the Berkshires in western Massachusetts and continued her involvement with young people through substitute teaching and librarian work at Monument Mountain High School. Jane loved her family, her grandchildren, and her pets. She loved reading and politics and remained involved in book clubs and community activities until her illness prevented it.

Jane was preceded in death by daughter Patricia in 1996, sister Alice Staub Liddell in 1997, former husband Raymond in 2005, and daughter Alice in 2013. She is survived by her daughters Cynthia Black, Maria Black, Andrea Black, and Barrie Black Reinders, by grandchildren Matthew and Jane Sullivan, Hannah and Sam Plishtin, Juliette Ambler, Woodson Black, and Ella and Miles Reinders. She is also survived by one great-grandchild, Adeline Adkinson, born this year. Jane is also survived by her dear and loyal friend, David Logan of Monterey, Massachusetts. Mom and "Ganny", you are loved and your passing leaves a hole in our hearts.

A private family memorial service will be arranged later this year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Lincoln County, online at www.hslcnm.org, or P.O. Box 2832, Ruidoso, NM, 88355.