Jane Jacob Rooksby

Jane Jacob Rooksby passed away on November 19, 2025, in her home in Carmel, Indiana, with her husband of 51 years by her side. An original painting she cherished—aptly titled “Jane’s Sun”—hung above her as she left this world. She was, in every way, the sun in the lives of her family, her many friends, and the communities she enriched.

Born in Milan, Indiana, in 1943 to Lewis and Frances Jacob, Jane grew up in an era when women were often pressured to follow narrow paths. She refused. Independent and determined, she carved her own way, living a life filled with passion, purpose, and flourish. After formative years in Pendleton, she graduated from Anderson High School and went on to Indiana University, where she joined Alpha Phi and graduated with a B.S. in Education in 1966. Her first job was teaching high school English and coaching the speech and debate team at Harrison High School in Evansville. Devoted to civics and politics, she quickly immersed herself in supporting Democratic candidates and causes, serving as a volunteer speechwriter and delegate to state conventions.

It was through her work supporting former Indiana Secretary of State Larry Conrad that Jane met the love of her life, Robert Trent Rooksby, then 25 to her 29. Their first date was at the Indiana State Fair, punctuated by a ride on the Ferris wheel. They married on March 4, 1974, and built a life centered on family and adventure. Their early years together took them from Indianapolis to Atlanta before settling back in Central Indiana. Jane took great pride in her children—Heather, Jason, and Jacob—and worked to instill confidence, curiosity, compassion, and drive in each of them.

Jane was the galvanizing force of her family and a partner in Bob’s business ventures, including owning mining operations in southern Indiana in the 1970s and 1980s. Yet she was hardly a coal miner’s daughter. Known for her style, glamour, grace, impeccable grammar, and love of entertaining, Jane brought light wherever she went. Christmases in the Rooksby household were legendary for their fullness and warmth, with every room awash in decorations curated with her unmistakable flair, including her large collection of Santas. A paragon of style, she created trends as much as she followed them. Her entrepreneurial ventures included operating a chain of silk plant stores across Central Indiana and owning her own public relations firm. Prior work included working in press relations for Governor George Busbee of Georgia and for the Indiana Retail Grocers’ Association.

Jane’s signature smile could light up a room, and her commitment to service touched many organizations and civic causes through which she developed lifelong friendships, including the Indiana Emergency Response Commission, the Governor’s Residence Commission, the Junior League, the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana, the Leukemia Society of America, the American Cabaret Theatre, the Orchard School, and Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School. Her final decade in the workforce was spent as special projects coordinator to the Executive Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculties at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis—a role perfectly suited to her creativity and educator’s heart.

She was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church. Jane loved golfing at Highland Golf & Country Club, especially in the women’s league. She also cherished the years she and Bob spent in Southwest Florida—a place filled with sunshine, friends, and joyful memories—particularly at their home at The Club at Grandezza. A self-proclaimed news junkie, Jane followed politics closely—always informed, always opinionated. She attended President Barack Obama’s first inauguration, seated so close that even the celebrity performers at the presidential balls were seated behind her. A proud Democrat and ardent supporter of President Obama, she recalled that day as one of the great highlights of her life.

Jane lived life elevated. She wanted more from life, in the best possible sense. She improved every organization she touched and relished bringing out the very best in her husband and children. Easy to laugh, quick to love, and always ready with wisdom—often delivered when least expected—she was the steady sun around which her family revolved. A perfectionist to the end, she lived by the belief that if a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing right.

Jane is survived by her husband, Robert Trent Rooksby; her children, Heather Allen Hershberger (Steve) and Jason Jacob Allen (Heather), both of Carmel, and Jacob Harrison Rooksby (Kelly), of Spokane, Washington; her beloved grandchildren—Parker Hershberger, Meredith Hershberger, Trent Allen, Mack Allen, Kate Allen, and Foster Rooksby; and her younger sisters, Judith Jacob Hancher, of Carmel, and Jennifer Jacob Porter, of Noblesville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frances and Lewis Jacob; her parents-in-law, Mary and Gael Rooksby; and many cherished relatives, including Susan Tuck Rooksby, Jon Hancher, John Gentle, Marylou and Larry Conrad, Jane Ann and Bob Mynett, and Lonnie and Jo Rooksby.

Jane succumbed to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a rare neurological disease that stole her speech but never her sharp mind or indomitable spirit.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. On the funeral home website, the family encourages friends and loved ones to share stories and photos. Jane was passionate about education, and donations may be made in her name to The Orchard School, 615 W 64th St, Indianapolis, IN 46260.

She left us beneath Jane’s Sun, but the truer sun was her. Her warmth will forever live in those she loved and whose lives she touched.