Jane Newman

Jane Newman, a lifelong resident of Paola, KS, passed away on March 24, 2024, just two days after her 70th birthday. Jane was born in Garnett, KS, on March 22, 1954 to Jean and V.E. Tippit. She was the youngest and most independent of Tip and Jean’s four children: Steve, Nancy, Judy, and Jane. At age 16, Jane received her private pilot’s license, making her one of the youngest female pilots ever to be licensed in Kansas.

Jane was an engineer for both Missouri and Union Pacific Railroads for 35 years. She the first female engineer ever to be hired by the Missouri Pacific Railroad in 1976. Jane was strong enough to survive in a man’s world and earn the respect of other men on the railroad. She was proud, humble, stubborn, and intelligent. She was one of a kind.

“Aunt Jane,” as she was known, loved her pets and all animals, friends and family, and the Kansas City Chiefs. She enjoyed spending time at Lake Miola and the Lake of the Ozarks to waterski, sit in the sun on the boat, drink beer, and visit with other boaters. She was an active volunteer at the Elks Club in Osawatomie, KS. Jane was known for her photographic memory, her cooking skills, her generosity, dirty jokes, and her unique sense of humor.

Jane is survived by her husband of 36 years, Tom Newman, and her beloved cat Baxter, as well as Tom’s extended family. Jane is also survived by her sister, Nancy Kohl, of Overland Park, her brother Steven Tippit of Aurora, Colorado, and seven nieces and nephews: Tiffany Kohl of Denver, CO, Trevor (Anna) Kohl of Overland Park, KS, Alice (Kolter) Tippit of Chicago, IL, Zachary Walker (Angela) Tippit of Prairie Village, KS, Brian (Colleen) Liesmann of Leawood, KS, Robin Liesmann of McHenry, IL, Heidi (Mike) Rookstool of Topeka, KS, and 12 great nieces and nephews.

Jane was preceded in death by her niece Tracy Kohl, her parents, and her sister Judy Liesmann, who passed away on February 28, 2024, after a brief and brave battle with cancer. Jane was also preceded by many cats and their beloved dog Dock, who adopted them when he took up residence at their dock and finally, in their hearts.

Jane will be cremated, and her wishes were that no services be held. Her memory will live on by all who loved her.

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