Jane Reynolds

Jane Laverne (Kneezel) Reynolds, 79, of Marion, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Deaconess of Illinois Medical Center.

Born on December 20, 1946, in Marion, Illinois, Jane was the daughter of William Kneezel and Bernice (Penrod) Kneezel. She graduated from Marion High School in 1964 at the age of 17. On October 31, 1969, she married the love of her life, William “Bill” Reynolds, in Carbondale just before he shipped out to boot camp. Together they built a life centered on family and faith.

Jane worked as a librarian while attending SIU, where she met Bill. Later she worked at Tempo before becoming a mother and homemaker.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Jane loved spending time dancing with her friends from The Hub, reading a good book, caring for her beloved cats, and making cherished memories with her family. A faithful member of First Baptist Church of Marion, she was also a devoted supporter of the VFW and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, proudly honoring the military service of her late husband.

She is survived by her daughters, Laurie (Matt) Shipley and Teresa Dixon; her grandchildren, Austin Emery, Patrick Dixon (Starla Kolenc); her siblings, Billy Kneezel, Kathy (David) Tanner, and Margaret Gwaltney; her sister-in-law, Janet Reynolds-Smith; her sister-in-law, Vicki (Rick) Reynolds; her brother-in-law, Jim Reynolds; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, William “Bill” Reynolds; her sons-in-law, Richard Dixon and Chris Emery; and her sisters, Janet Emery and Pam Stritzel.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Blue Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Blue Funeral Home, 1704 North Court Street, Marion. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Brother Ivan Ryan officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to the VFW Honor Guard, in gratitude for the honor and dignity they provide to our nation’s veterans.

Please visit www.binkleyross.com to share condolences and memories with Jane’s family.