Jane Elaine (Yocum) Sullivan, 78, of Roseville, passed away peacefully at 2:17 p.m., Thursday, August 27, 2026, in her home with her husband by her side. She was born March 21, 1948, in Avon, Illinois, the daughter of Raymond and Marion (Jones) Yocum. She was raised in Avon and Bushnell, attending school in both, before settling on a farm outside of Avon for the remainder of her formative years.
Jane married Robert Sullivan on June 21, 1968, in Monmouth, Illinois, and he survives. Shortly after marrying, they settled on the Sullivan family farm outside of Greenbush, Illinois. After many years of being a homemaker and helping on the farm, Jane joined the workforce as a teacher’s assistant at Avon Grade School. That inspired her to go back to school, where she graduated with high honors, receiving an Associate’s Degree in Arts and Science from Carl Sandburg College in 1992. During her time there, she was the co-editor of the student newspaper. She also tutored other students and was awarded the Outstanding Tutor award as well as several other achievements. She went on to WIU, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a BA in Science in Education in 1994. Afterwards, she settled in as a special education teacher at Bushnell Prairie City High School for almost 20 years, retiring in 2014.
Jane had a love for nature which started as a child, spending much of her time exploring the woods on the farm where she grew up. She enjoyed reading, bird and critter watching, taking care of her cats and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved watching sports, her favorites being Bradley University basketball and St. Louis Cardinals baseball. She was a proud member and past president of the Avon Athletic Booster Club. Jane also served on the Avon School Board for 4 years.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Bob, of Roseville; daughters, Amy (Steve) Hughes of East Peoria, Illinois, Susann (Brad) Sullivan-Aden of St. Louis, Missouri, Karra Sullivan of Avon; grandchildren, Blaire (Chris) Schertz of Macomb, Illinois, Jaycie (Shane) Acree of Freeburg, Illinois, Carly (Nate) Elting of Waterloo, Illinois, Charly Cox of Avon; sister, Shirley Messick of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; sister-in-law, Lois (Ted) Ruff; great-grandchildren, Ollie, Rhett, Hannah, Tyler, Sadie, Sullivan, Banks and Foster and 6 nieces.
She was preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law, Louise Sullivan; nephew, Pat Ruff and brother-in-law, Harry Messick.
Cremation rites have been accorded with a celebration of Jane’s life to be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Avon Food Pantry c/o the Avon Federated Church or Safe Harbor Family Crisis Center of Galesburg and left in the care of the funeral home. Moore Memorial Home, Roseville, is handling the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.moorememorial.com
