Jane L. (Exley) Neely Haley

     Jane L. Neely Haley, 94, formerly of Knox, passed from this life into eternity with her savior Jesus while in the company of her family at the Brookville Hospital on May 8, 2025.

     Born on January 11, 1931 to parents Roland and Margaret (Porter) Exley of Knox, Jane attended White Memorial School graduating with the Class of 1948.  During school Jane worked at various jobs to earn extra income for her family.  One of her favorite jobs, she often reminisced about, was working at Lee Campbell’s Drug Store clerking and managing the food counter.  Her good looks and vivacious personality certainly didn’t hurt business. 

     In June of 1950, Jane became the bride of Kenneth Neely of Alum Rock, who proceeded her in death in May of 1960.  With two young sons (four and five) no life insurance, a mortgage, and an uncertain future Jane made a difficult decision to enroll in Clarion State College and pursue a career in teaching.  After completing her B.S. in elementary education Jane began her teaching career in the Fall of 1965 at the Shippenville Grade School teaching fifth grade students.  Soon thereafter, Jane enrolled and completed her Master of Education program at Clarion University attending studies during evenings and the summer break.  A member of the National Education Association, Pennsylvania State Education Association and the Keystone Teachers Association, Jane retired in 1989 after 24 years in the classroom.   Mrs. Neely (later Haley) cared deeply for her students always challenging them to do their best and reach for the stars.  Jane served her fellow educators in the capacity of union contract negotiator helping to raise the level of recognition for her profession.  

     In July of 1985, Jane married George (Bud) Haley of Alum Rock who proceeded her in death in October 2011. 

     After a brief retirement, Jane returned to the classroom for several years substitute teaching in the AC Valley School District.  In addition, Mrs. Haley served the community as a tipstaff at the Clarion County Courthouse, an elections poll worker, volunteer with the American Cancer Society and other charitable organizations all while surviving two bouts with cancer.   

     Jane cherished her memories of bowling with her “Haley’s Sharpshooters” and “Haley’s Comets” bowling teams often attending the PA State Women’s Bowling Tournament.  Other pursuits included daily early morning walking forays with her dear friends, reading, cross stitching and travel.  Christmas and the holidays were always a favorite and she loved to prepare meals to celebrate with her family and friends.  Picnics with family were a particular highlight with nothing better than a hotdog and ear of corn to share with those she loved. Jane traveled to numerous attractions throughout the US including four sojourns to Alaska to visit family and explore.  Mrs. Haley spent the last two years in the care and company of her dear friends at her home at the Highland Oaks at Water Run personal care facility in Clarion where she was an inspiration and blessing to all who knew her.  She was always so appreciative of the love given her by the caretakers often challenging management to better reward their efforts.

     Jane was a longtime member of the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.  After her marriage to Bud, they attended St. Mark’s United Church of Christ and Mount Joy United Methodist Church.  Jane served the church in numerous capacities including consistory board member, Sunday school teacher, itinerate preacher and always willing to help for church sponsored dinners and special events.      

     Jane is survived by a son, Edward, of Knox, a son, James and wife Faye, of Kane, a grandchild Jenean and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was proceeded in death by sisters Rosella Clover, Maxine Clover, Bonnie Colwell and brothers Roland Jr. and George Thomas Exley.

     Born dirt poor in the midst of the Great Depression, Jane’s life accomplishments clearly demonstrate the depth of one’s beginnings do not determine the height of their outcomes.  Rather, perseverance through adversity, determination coupled with hard work, an infectious positive attitude, selfless caring for others, and endless gratitude based upon faith in God’s grace are the keys to fulfilling one’s full potential. Caring daughter, loving wife, dedicated mother, outstanding educator and faithful friend.  A life well lived and now entrusted to God’s eternal reward. 

     Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2025 at the William N. Mortuary, Inc., 430 Mendenhall Avenue, Knox.

     Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in the funeral home with pastor Dan Myers officiating.

     Interment will follow at the St Petersburg Cemetery.

     The family requests gifts and memorials be made to the Kirtland Cancer Foundation at P.O. Box 108 Franklin, PA 16323 and/or the Knox Public Library, P.O. Box 510, Knox, PA 16232.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jane L. (Exley) Neely Haley, please visit our floral store.