Mary Jane Peck

Mary Jane Peck, 75, of Emporia, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita.

She was born September 22, 1950, in Long Beach, California, the beloved daughter of Gilbert and Mary Jane (Campbell) Mott. Jane attended Chase County High School in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, where she formed the core friendships that would last for a lifetime. Following her graduation in 1968, Jane attended Emporia State University until her marriage to her high school sweetheart.

Jane would marry the love of her life, Doug Peck, on June 15, 1969, in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas. Shortly after beginning their lives together, Doug entered the United States Air Force. This afforded the two to travel together as Doug’s posts and assignments changed. Doug’s assignment to Fort Yukon, Alaska served as the catalyst for Jane to attend Cosmetology School in Emporia, Kansas.

In 1978, Jane and Doug moved their young family to Emporia where Jane continued her career as a Cosmetologist and became a dear friend to so many. She carefully built a sense of community and family with her clients; a bond that will live on through their memories, the countless stories and precious time shared in her chair. Although Jane always remained busy, she officially retired in 2025, after 54 years of doing what she enjoyed.

Jane will remain in the hearts and memories of husband, Doug of their home; daughters, Stephanie Donner of El Dorado, Kansas and Amy Gregg and husband James of Eagle, Colorado; grandchildren, Jack Donner, Lauren Donner, Harrison Gregg and Harper Gregg; a sister, Jenifer Eddings and husband Devin of Tonganoxie, Kansas; her mother-in-law, Jean Boyd of Wichita; numerous extended family and a community of former clients and friends.

Because of Jane’s passion for reading and love of libraries, the family asks in lieu of flowers a donation can be made in her honor to Burnley Memorial Library in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be sent in care of the Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home and Crematory, P.O. Box #43. Lebo, Kansas 66856. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the Clint Bowyer Community Building, Emporia Kansas. In tribute to Jane’s vibrant life, we invite you to wear bright attire as we celebrate a life lived in full color.