Mary Jane Denton, 94, of Urbana passed away at 9:40 a.m. on Friday, November 10, 2017, at Presence Covenant Medical Center in Urbana with her family by her side.

Funeral services will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2017, at Meadowbrook Community Church, 1902 S. Duncan Road, Champaign. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the church. Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at Winchester Cemetery in Winchester, IL.

Mary Jane was born on October 29, 1923, in Canton, IL to parents Russell and Addie Marie (Batley) Slagle. They preceded her in death.

Mary Jane was a graduate of Feitshans High School, where she was known as "Slug" for her softball batting ability, and of Brown's Business College in Springfield, IL. She worked for the U.S. Navy at the Naval Base in Norfolk, VA, during World War II, then for The Franklin Life Insurance Company in Springfield, IL for 32 years, retiring from there in 1986.

She was a member of Calvary Temple Church in Springfield, where she especially enjoyed Mrs. Johnson's Senior Sunday School class. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and she served as the membership chairperson of the local AARP in Springfield for 18 years. Mary Jane was lovingly called Janie by her parents, Squirt by her son and son-in-law, Nonie by her grandchildren, and M.J. by the staff of the Champaign County Nursing Home.

She enjoyed dancing, purses, and shoes, was certain no meal was complete without dessert, and was ready to celebrate Christmas any day of the year. Her favorite activity was "running around" with any member of her family.

She is survived by her son, R. Loren (Mary) Denton of Joplin, MO, and her daughter, Diane (Tom) Richardson of Champaign, who credit her loving care and faith in Jesus Christ for the many blessings in their lives. Her treasured grandchildren, Matthew (Taisa) Denton, Kala (Scott) Large, Shana Richardson, Rachel (Billy) Hayden, and great grandchild, Lily Large, also survive her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CU At Home or the Champaign County Humane Society.