Jane Umbel

Poland- On February 16, 2024, Jane Umbel Fithian passed away at her daughter's home in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, where she resided these past three years. Jane was a woman of faith and is now in the arms of Jesus. She was with her daughter and son-in-law and surrounded by the love of her family on her passing. 

Jane was born May 11, 1923 in Struthers, Ohio, a daughter of the late Elmer Dilts Hoop and Lola Kime Hoop.

She graduated from Struthers High School in 1941 and was valedictorian of her class. She continued her higher education at Wooster College and graduated with a degree in English and Library Science. She obtained a Master's degree from Western Reserve University.

On February 25, 1949, she married Jack Elroy Umbel, and they eventually made their home in Poland, Ohio. Together they had three children, Nancy (Tracy) Smith, Thomas (Suzie) Umbel, and David (Diane) Umbel.   

Once her children were in school, Jane went back to work with the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. In 1967, the Library System decided they needed a personnel department and Jane was promoted to Personnel Director, the first in the history of the library. She was eventually promoted to Assistant Director. Jane was loved and respected for her knowledge, kindness, and fairness to all her employees. She took great pride in helping them grow and become successful in their careers.     

Upon her retirement in 1988, Jane and Jack spent many winters in Naples, Florida. She enjoyed having her children come down to visit and hanging out with the Youngstown Crew. She was a swimmer and would swim as often as she could. Her favorite comment was, "Another Beautiful Sunny Day."

Jane was a member of the Poland United Methodist Church where she was involved in Lydia Circle, Seekers, Sunday School, and Book Club. Her faith was a very important part of her everyday life to her very last day. 

Jane of course was an avid reader. She believed stories and books could take your imagination anywhere; she loved reading to her children and grandchildren.

Her husband Jack died in 1997. She is survived by her second husband, Jack Fithian, whom she remarried in 2003. The Fithian family welcomed her into their family. They made their home in Boardman, Ohio.

Jane was blessed with eight grandchildren, Megan, Lindsey, Scott, John, Lauren, Benjamin, Marquel, and Jori, whom she visited often and always followed their academic and sports activities, encouraging them and cheering them on! She was their biggest fan. She also had 12 great-grandchildren, whom she adored. 

In addition to her parents and husband, Jack Elroy, Jane was preceded in death by her sister, Margaret, and husband Bill Dalrymple; and close cousins, Bill and Jean Hoop. 

Jane's family will receive friends, Friday, February 23, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the Poland United Methodist Church. A funeral service celebrating Jane's life will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Jane will be buried besides her husband, Jack Elroy Umbel, at the Poland Riverside Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Second Harvest Food Bank, 2805 Salt Springs Road, Youngstown, Ohio 44509 or to the Rescue Mission, PO Box 430, Youngstown, Ohio 44501.