N. Jane Pounds

Obituary N. Jane Pounds or “Aunt Spunk” as she was known to many of her nieces and nephews, was born in Kansas City, MO on February 20, 1930 to Chester and Loren Heady. Despite being from KC, upon moving to St. Louis she became a dedicated Cardinal baseball fan. In the final month of her life, the highlight of her day was watching her team on TV. Jane graduated from East High School in 1947 and attended Central Missouri State College, graduating with a BA in Education. While at CMSC, Jane was active in theatre productions where she met her future husband, Wayne Pounds, when they were cast in a torrid love scene. Jane and Wayne were married in December of 1951 and left for their new home in Wyoming in the middle of an ice storm. In spite of the “icy” beginning, their marriage resulted in a loving and supportive union, lasting 62 years. She became a librarian for Ladue Senior High School in 1971 and was Head Librarian from 1977 until her retirement in 1991. During this time, she received the MASL Special Service Award for Outstanding Librarian. In addition, she was a longtime member of Kirkwood United Church of Christ where she served on numerous committees, was the President of the church council, sang in the choir, and for many years directed the annual children’s Christmas pageant. Other activities included membership in PEO, Chapter GT where she served as president. She also acted as Mayor of the Town Hall of Meramec Bluffs where she and Wayne resided for the past nine years. Jane lent her amazing skill for organization and knowledge of Parliamentary Procedure to these organizations plus many others. However, she will most be remembered for her sweet, loving and supportive nature as well as her ability to write poetry. Jane never said an unkind word about anyone and was always described by anyone who met her as “the sweetest person” he or she had ever met. She was always willing to help anyone who needed it. She died on July 26th of pancreatic cancer. Jane is survived by Wayne, children Lynne (Jim) Turley, Murray (Patricia) Pounds, Ferrel (Kris) Pounds, and grandchildren, Jay Turley (of NY City), Lauren and Corey Pounds, and Lorri and Spencer Lanig, all of St. Louis except as noted. Also surviving are her brother, Wayne Heady, of Kansas City and her sister-in-law, Dorris Knight Crow of St. Louis. Jane was predeceased by siblings Dr. Ferrel Heady, Loren Alice Hall, and Kenneth Heady along with grandson Casey Leigh Pounds. On Thursday, July 31, a visitation will be held at Meramec Bluffs Retirement Community (162 Ameren Way in Ballwin) from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm with a time for remembering Jane beginning at 7:30 pm. On Friday, August 1, there will be a visitation at 10 am followed by an 11 am funeral service at Kirkwood United Church of Christ (1603 Dougherty Ferry Road). Burial will be private. Instead of flowers, please make memorials to P.E.O. Cottey College; 1000 W. Austin Blvd; Nevada, MO 64772, to the Endowment Fund of Kirkwood United Church of Christ or any charity of your choice. PDF Printable Version

N. Jane Pounds

February 20, 1930 - July 26, 2014