Jayne Ellen Whitesel

With the sun shining down upon her beloved Florida, Jayne Ellen Whitesel, a free spirit who danced with the wind, has taken her final ride into the horizon. Born on May 28, 1959, in Tiffin, Ohio, to John and Joyce Crum, Jayne was a woman of fierce independence, boundless joy, and a heart as open as the endless road she loved to travel.

She is survived by her loving siblings, Russell Crum, Dennis (Joanne) Crum, Jill Ingram, and sister-in-law, Sandra Crum, as well as her three stepsons, Troy, Shawn, and Jimmy Joe Whitesel, along with their families, who brought her great joy. She is also remembered by several cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Ronald and Douglas Crum, and her beloved husband, Larry Whitesel. Jayne and Larry shared 15 beautiful years together before his passing in 2014. Nothing brought her more happiness than the life they built, the love they shared, and the dogs that filled their home with laughter.

Jayne was a woman who truly lived. Whether she was riding motorcycles with the wind in her hair or basking in the Florida sun, she embraced life with an unmatched passion. Ten years ago, she made her dream a reality, moving to Florida with Larry, where they created a beautiful life filled with warmth, adventure, and family. She had a green thumb that stemmed from her farming roots, nurturing plants with the same care and love she gave to those around her. Her home was always full of life—lush with greenery, thriving under her touch, just like the relationships she cultivated so effortlessly.

Her presence lit up every room, her laughter was infectious, and her radiant smile—the biggest and brightest—left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Fiercely independent, Jayne introduced herself with a twinkle in her eye as “Jayne with a Y,” a small yet fitting detail that captured her one-of-a-kind spirit. She found joy in the simple moments—time spent with family, the freedom of the open road, and the golden glow of a Florida sunset.

Though she has left this world, her spirit remains in the love she gave, the memories she created, and the warmth of the sun that will continue to shine, just as she always did. Ride free, Jayne. You will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

We will gather to celebrate Jayne’s life at a later date. Details will be shared with family and friends once arrangements have been made. If you would like to donate in anyway, please visit give.mayoclinic.org and donate to Cancer Research and Care in memory of Jayne (with a "y") Whitesel.