Obituary of Jane F. Coats

Passed away peacefully on October 22, 2014, with members of her family at hand. She was 99 years old. She was born Jane Frances Houston on May 31, 1915 in Sacramento, CA. Her brother Johnny was born a few years later. She attended the University of California at Berkeley, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. Years later, she would go on to earn a Master's degree from Sacramento State College. During World War II, Jane helped soldiers as a Red Cross volunteer. It was at this time that she met her future husband, Arthur W. (Bill) Coats, Jr., a young attorney. Jane and Bill were married on June 2, 1945. They made a home in Yuba City, CA, with their four children, until they moved to Santa Barbara in 1963. After retirement, they moved to Cambria, CA. Bill passed away in 2002, and Jane moved to Ojai, CA in 2009. She spent her final years at the Autumn Years Home in Oak View. Jane had a lifelong career as a social worker, first in Sutter County, CA, and later in Santa Barbara County. Among her many interests, she enjoyed books, music, the arts, and travel. She loved to visit the beaches near her home in Cambria. She took a great interest in politics, and was dedicated to issues of social justice, to the environment, to historic preservation and to helping others less fortunate. After her retirement, she worked with Meals on Wheels, Catholic Charities, and her local Democratic Committee. For awhile, she also worked part-time as a social worker for San Luis Obispo County. A devout Catholic, she was active in the work of Santa Rosa Parish in Cambria. Jane had a great love for her family. She was always welcoming and supportive to family members, never failing in her love, care and concern for their welfare. Jane is survived by her children: Art, John, Marti and Richard; by daughters-in-law Margie, Pam and Cecilia, and son-in-law Dan Reid; by five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; and by many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brother Johnny; by Bill, her beloved husband of 57 years; and by her dear grandchild Nicole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Santa Rosa Church in Cambria at 10:00 A.M., follow by burial at Cambria Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Santa Rosa Parish hall The family wishes to express its thanks to the staff of Autumn Years for the loving care they gave to Jane. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Santa Rosa Parish or the Guthrie-Bianchini House. Arrangements by McDermott-Crockett Mortuary.