Jane Brooks, 92

Jane Brooks departed this world Oct. 11, 2023.  She passed peacefully in her sleep one month before her 93rd birthday.  

Her parents were Charles and Marjorie Rincker and she had a younger sister, Carol. She married William D Brooks (Bill) and together they had three children: Jeffrey C., Cindy B. Erler and David W.

She is survived by her son, David; her son-in-law, Bill Erler; daughter-in-law Susan Brooks; grandchildren Charles Brooks, Lucas Erler and Maya Erler, along with her great-grandchildren, Devin, Logan and Maddox Brooks, and her twin sisters-in-law, Judith Frey and Jane Sheets.

Born in November 1930 in North Platte, Neb., where she spent her prior to Edmonton, Alberta, and Hastings, Neb., where she graduated high school and attended Hastings College. It was at Hastings College where she met her husband, William. Pursuant to William’s career they lived in Lexington, Broken Bow, Ainsworth and Omaha, Neb.; Burlington, Iowa; Peoria, Ill.; Atlanta, Ga.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Pedregal, Mexico City, Mexico; then returning to Indianapolis and finally retiring in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in the early '90s.

Jane had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and she continued to further her education up until her final years. A lover of the arts she and her sister spent time in Florence, Italy, attending an art school. She also spent time as an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska, Omaha teaching art and tutoring students.

She attended the Education for Ministries four-year Christian Formation Program through the School of Theology, University of the South. She also completed and was an active participant in Stephens Ministry.

A lifelong Episcopalian she was worshipped and was active at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, serving as a vestry member and on other committees.

One of her great loves was her involvement in community affairs and social clubs. She was a champion of women’s rights and followed in her mother’s footsteps as a devout member of P.E.O. Chapters wherever she lived. In addition, she was a member of The Gift Alliance, the 3C’s, numerous book clubs, a women’s investment group, bridge clubs including Back Alley Bridge and Dinner clubs.  Empathy for the downtrodden and impoverished peoples of the world as well as environmental injustices motivated her to donate extensively to charities. 

She shared a passion for travel with her husband. Their travels encompassed all the continents branching to many countries with activities ranging from floating the Amazon River with indigenous people in dugout canoes, to snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, hiking on the Great Wall of China, visiting the Galápagos Islands, as well as most of the world’s great art museums.

She touched the lives of many individuals with her infectious smile and matriarchal spirit, always bridging social and economic gaps, she exuded loving kindness and acceptance to all mankind.

The memorial service for Jane Brooks will be Friday, Nov. 3, at noon at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 501 E. Wallace Ave. (corner of Fifth and Wallace), Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The service will be followed by a brief interment into the Columbarium and a reception for friends and family. Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home.  Online registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.