Jane Hightower

Jane Buckman Hightower was born June 1, 1932, to Otis and Frances Buckman.

She passed away Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the age of 92.

Jane spent her early years on the family dairy farm in Shelbina, Mo.

In 1953, Jane married Parker Hightower and moved to Kingfisher, where the true adventure began.

In Kingfisher, she found her church family at Sts. Peter & Paul.

She and Parker also started their own family shortly after arriving in Kingfisher.

Jane was active in Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School where her children attended.

She coached basketball for 20 years and also taught band. When the church steeple was hit by lightning, Jane and her friends made and replaced the stained glass windows that were destroyed.

Jane was also a very civic- minded person. She spent years working on the county election board and served as Kingfisher County clerk for many years.

After her kids were grown, the real excitement began. Jane was fearless and full of adventure, including hot air balloon rides, snow skiing, scuba diving, white water rafting and mule rides down the Grand Canyon.

And, as Parker would say, “she jumped out of a perfectly good airplane” to sky dive to celebrate her 60th birthday. She also traveled to Ireland, Hong Kong, Bali, Taiwan, England, Alaska, Hawaii and many other destinations.

Jane’s friends were precious and important to her. For many years she and other members of the “Dawn Patrol” walked the streets of Kingfisher every morning.

Most recently, her Wednesday Stitch and Chatter group, her Friday night supper group and her Sunday night dinner and game nights were very dear to her.

Jane loved every holiday, but was especially fond of Christmas. She spent hours decorating her home and her Christmas tree. She also had one impressive Santa collection.

Sewing was always a passion for Jane, but quilting became her passion the last 20-plus years. She made quilts for all her family and friends and made numerous quilts for military veterans with her Quilts of Valor.

Jane is survived by her sisters Veronica Gander and Madge March Riley; children Joe Hightower (Linda), Kelly Hightower (Mike), Monti Allen (Richard), Mandi Kilgo (Chuck) and Lance Hightower (Brooke); along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Parker Hightower; three brothers, James Buckman, Guy Buckman and Sam Buckman; and her brother-in-law Kenneth Ryan.

A wake service was Tuesday, July 2, and a funeral service was 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, both being at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Kingfisher. Services were under the direction of Sanders Funeral Service, Kingfi sher.

The family asks that any memorial donations in her name be made to the Sts. Peter & Paul Altar Society.