Jane Priscilla Krites

Jane P. Krites, 76, of Lima, passed away May 30, 2026, at Otterbein Cridersville. Born January 5, 1950, in Lima, Ohio, to Kenneth K. and Mary Rose (Huelskamp) Krites, Jane dedicated her life to serving others through healthcare, education, leadership, and philanthropy. A 1968 graduate of St. Joseph High School, Jane began her career as a nurse at St. Rita’s Hospital earning her LPN. Recognizing the need for advancement opportunities for nurses, she worked with healthcare professionals and Lima Technical College (now Rhodes State College) to establish the area's first LPN-to-RN bridge program. She graduated as a member of the program’s inaugural class in 1987. After more than 20 years in nursing, Jane earned an MBA from Defiance College and became CEO of the Girl Scouts Appleseed Ridge Council. In 2007, she helped lead the merger of four regional councils to form Girl Scouts of Western Ohio and later served as Executive Vice President until her retirement in 2012. Jane remained a devoted leader and advocate for Rhodes State College, serving on its Board of Trustees, including as Chair, and holding numerous leadership roles with the Rhodes State College Foundation. She played a key role in the dedication of the Borra Center for Health Sciences and helped expand scholarship opportunities for countless students. Her service extended throughout the community, including leadership roles with United Way of Greater Lima, St. Rita’s Medical Center, and St. Charles Catholic Church to name a few. Jane received numerous honors, including the Athena Award (2002), Allen County Visionaries Citizen of the Year (2011), Rhodes State College Outstanding Alumni Award (2016), Community Leadership Award (2021), and the inaugural James A. Rhodes Philanthropy Award (2026). She is survived by her siblings, Nancy Kramer, Jean (Rollin) Lutterbein, Patricia Hinegardner, Barbara (David) Copeland, Nicholas (Kathy) Krites, and Polly (Tom Thiel) Thomas. Jane was also the beloved aunt to numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Pamela Ewald and Christine Krites, and brothers-in-law, Kenneth Kramer, James Ewald, and Dan Hinegardner. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 4th, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta, with Fr. Ethan Hoying officiating. Burial to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Wapakoneta. Family and friends may call from 5–8 p.m. Wednesday, June 3rd, and 9-10 a.m. Thursday, at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta. Memorial contributions may be made to Girl Scouts of Western Ohio or the Jane P. Krites Scholarship Fund at Rhodes State College. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Jane Priscilla Krites

January 5, 1950 - May 30, 2026