Jane Marie (Nothdurft) Hiler

Jane embarked on her journey to be with God, peacefully at her home on the evening of May 31, 2020.

She was born April 16, 1931, to John and Elsie (Paul) Nothdruft.  Jane graduated Watervliet High School in 1949 and married Vernon Hiler June 11, 1949.  She farmed with Vern in Bainbridge Township for many years.  She also worked as an educator on many levels including multiple positions working with young people with learning disabilities.  Jane also spent time working in the Criminal Justice System working with juveniles with learning disabilities.  Her career in education started with teaching elementary at St. Joseph Catholic School in Watervliet, then the juvenile justice system, and she retired as an Administrator for the Lewis Cass Intermediate School System.

Jane was very proud of her educational accomplishments.  She earned an Associates in Liberal Arts from Lake Michigan College, then a Bachelors in Liberal Arts from Western Michigan University and a Master’s in Special Education from Western Michigan University.  As is true with any good teacher her education didn’t end there, she took various continuing education classes through Michigan State University and Grand Valley State University.  Jane also earned two degrees through Notre Dame’s Graduate Studies Division in School Administration and Individual Rites in the Criminal Justice System.  She was a member of the Michigan Association of Learning Disability Educators, Member of Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Continuing Education National Juvenile Detention Association, was awarded Golden Nugget Award by the Council for Exceptional Children, and was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Collegiate Honor Society.

Jane still found time to participate in the Ministry formation program with the Archdiocese of Kalamazoo.  She spent two years with the Peace Corp serving in Jamaica.  She also helped open the first migrant daycare in Sodus and was a foreign exchange student coordinator for Berrien County.

Outside of all her accomplishments and passions her greatest joy was raising and enjoying her loving family which includes: four children Bruce (Elaine) Hiler of Virginia, Patricia Molter of Bainbridge Township, Therese (Frank) Simanton of Sister Lakes; and Jon (Cheryl) Hiler of Indianapolis; five grandchildren Holland Hiler, Angie Molter (Ryan Ruhno), Allison (Kevin) Norton, Frank (Rosie) Simanton JR, and Brenen Hiler; and two great grandchildren.

Her loving husband Vern, oldest son Gary Hiler, her parents, a sister Betty Manspeaker, and son-in-law Roger Molter precede Jane in death.

Jane was one of a kind and all that knew her are better for the time spent with her.  She cherished her children and grandchildren.  Jane lived an amazing life and was an amazing woman.  Her strength and compassion, and general enthusiasm for life and family inspired us all.  Jane enjoyed travels, especially with family members, cherished family gatherings at her home, and was passionate about learning and insuring that all had opportunities for education.

She will be greatly missed and always remembered as feisty, loving, strong and always being her authentic self.  We love you Jane. Rest in Peace.

Hutchins Funeral Home has been entrusted to assist Jane’s family with cremation.  She will be buried later next to her husband in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice in Jane's memory.  You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Jane’s family.

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