Jane Ann (Miller) Foltz, 68, passed away at Abilene Memorial Hospital with her family by her side on January 5th, 2026.
Jane was born March 31, 1957, in Abilene, Kansas the daughter of William “Bill” Miller Jr and Louise (Zey) Miller, Enterprise, Kansas.
As a child she worked with her family on the Miller farm. Jane graduated from Abilene High School in 1975 and Kansas State University with a BS in Physical Education and Health in 1980. She met the love of her life Casey J. Foltz and they were married on June 8, 1979. Side by side for 46 years they made a beautiful life together raising a family & supporting their family and community.
Jane is survived by her husband, Casey; her children, Ann Strunk of Abilene and Alex Foltz of Manhattan; proud “Nene” of grandchildren, Ella and Hardy Strunk; siblings Bill M. (Vicky) Miller, Enterprise, Cindy (Rod) Kalivoda, Manhattan, Suzie (Larry) Shankweiler, Manhattan, Joe (Anita) Miller, Enterprise, Katie (Tim) Wieters, Chapman and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents William Miller Jr. and Louise Miller, father in law, Robert “Joe” Foltz and nephew Beau Miller.
Jane was known for her strong work ethic and held many jobs as a youth including working at the Abilene City & Country Club pools lifeguarding, Elks Club, Abilene Floral, Zey’s Grocery Store, Manhattan Commission Co. and substitute teacher with USD 435. Jane was the first educator with the Abilene Parents as Teachers program. She was an assistant Abilene High School Volleyball Coach and later a KSHSAA Volleyball Official for 22 years. She also managed the Abilene Swimming Pool which led her to serve as Director of the Abilene Parks and Recreation for 18 years and then serve as Abilene City Manager until her retirement.
Jane was most proud of her family but she also worked hard to make Abilene a better place for all to live and raise a family. Jane was not with us near long enough but accomplished many milestones of a life well lived–overseeing the building of the current Parks and Recreation facility, renovation of the Abilene Swimming Pool, the refurbishing of the fountain in the Eisenhower Rose Garden, refurbishing the Wild Bill Hickok Stadium and the renovation of the Little Ike Park. She was inducted into the Kansas Recreation and Parks Association (KRPA) Hall of Fame in 2023 for her contributions to the community and efforts to support recreation and parks in Kansas.
Jane was a devoted fan of K-State, Chiefs and Abilene sports. She was a member and officer of the Nu Gamma Chapter Beta Sigma Phi, the DKCO Arts Council, board of directors for OCCK, Abilene Chapter Red Cross, and Abilene Chapter Kansas Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a charter member of Faux Ro and a very special friends coffee group.
As a life long member of St Andrews Catholic Church she served in many ways including President of the Parish Council, CYO Instructor and Parish Committees.