Jane was born February 20, 1922 in Canandaigua, New York, she was a daughter of the late William N. and Florence E. (Bailey) Black. Jane attended Ralston Schools and later graduated with the class of 1940. Following high school, she married Gerald L. Soper on September 7, 1940 in the Trout Run Methodist Church. Together they raised three children and celebrated 43 years together before Gerald’s passing in 1983.
Jane was employed as a seamstress for many years by the former Weldon and Wundies Sewing Factory in Williamsport until her retirement in 1982. Mrs. Soper was a devoted member of the Ralston United Methodist Church, where she sang in the church’s choir until she was 95 years of age and belonged to the Methodist Church King’s Daughters. She also held memberships in; Trout Run Senior Citizens, Ralston Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary and was a charter member, treasurer and historian of the Ralston High School Alumni. Jane loved sing a longs, crocheting, reading and cross word puzzles. She truly loved her family and appreciated their visits, especially while reminiscing and looking over five generations of photos that she possessed.
Surviving is; two children, Bonnie C. Bryan, Marilynn (Alfred) Route, five grandchildren, James Bryan, Debra Holmes, Kevin Route, Dennis Route all of Canton and Jeremy Soper of Linden. ten great grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousin, dear friends and neighbors.
Besides her parents and husband Gerald, Jane was predeceased by; her son, Gary “Butch” Soper in 1982, two grandchildren, Gerald A. Soper in 1968 and Karen M. Bryan in 1970, great grand-daughter, Tatum L. Route in 2003, son-in-law, Ronald Bryan in 2013, siblings, William Black Jr. in 1980, Geraldine Perry in 2003 and Grace Gublo in 2005 and her significant other, Nelson R. Buckwalter in 2019.
A memorial service to honor Mrs. Soper’s life will be announced at a later date by the Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Dr., Canton, PA 17724.
A private burial will be held in Grover Cemetery at the family’s convenience.
Condolences and memories of Jane may be shared with family by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com