Jane Rouge Martin

Jane Rouge Martin passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, in Schererville, Indiana. Jane was born on March 8, 1942, in Tell City, Indiana, to Vernon and Ora (née Jones) Lawalin. Jane is survived by her loving children Matthew Rouge of Evansville and Emily Rouge of Indianapolis; grandchild Ellie Rouge of Evansville; devoted sister Tagra (Robert) Grennan of Byron, Illinois; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Jane was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Lawrence Rouge and Jeffrey Martin, and brother Bob Lawalin. Jane resided in Crown Point for 43 years after growing up in Tell City and Jasper, Indiana. Jane attended Vincennes University and later lived and worked in Indianapolis where she met her first husband Larry at a dance held at Fort Benjamin Harrison, where he was stationed in the army. In 1965, Larry and Jane were engaged in New York City and celebrated the occasion with dinner in the Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Plaza. They were married later that year at a small ceremony at Fort Ord in Monterrey, California, where Larry was stationed. Upon his discharge from the Army, Larry and Jane made the trek across the country on the famous Route 66 in order for Larry to attend graduate school in New York. While living in New York, Jane worked for Union Carbide in Manhattan. Larry and Jane soon relocated to Indianapolis, where they welcomed Matthew and then Emily. In 1980, Jane and her family moved to Crown Point, where they became parishioners of St. Mary Catholic Church. Jane remained in Crown Point until her death. In Crown Point, Jane was a very active member of the community. She helped found the Friends of the Crown Point Library, which continues to flourish. She later served as a trustee of the library as well as a member of the board of directors of the Southlake YMCA. Additionally, Jane was an executive board member of the Southlake Board of Realtors and served and chaired various Indiana State Library Board committees. Jane’s professional life in Crown Point included 10 years as a Realtor, first with McColly Real Estate and later Price Realtors. Starting in 1995, Jane served for 8 years as the Director of Development for St. Jude House, a shelter for victims of domestic violence in Crown Point. She was particularly proud of the numerous fundraising events she planned and the successful volunteer program she developed during her tenure. After the death of her husband of 36 years in 2001, Jane and several of her friends formed the Muses, a “book and culture” club in which she was an active participant until her death. She enjoyed the monthly book discussions and the many friendships formed during Muse gatherings. Later in life, Jane also became a member of the charitable sisterhood P.E.O. EO Sisterhood. She had a fondness for the educational mission of the organization and cherished her fellow sisters. In 2006, Jane met Jeffrey Martin, who had also lost his longtime spouse, and they married in 2007. Jane and Jeff shared a love of music, literature, and international travel. Together, they attended many jazz concerts and visited the homes of Shakespeare and Dante. Jeff preceded Jane in death in January 2014. Throughout her life, Jane strived to live a gracious life and cherished her family and many friends. Her presence will be missed by those who knew and loved her, but her legacy of service and love will long outlive her. Visitation will be held at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway Ave., Crown Point, Indiana, on Monday, February 12, 2024, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.. A funeral service officiated by Fr. Kevin Huber will be held at the same location on Tuesday, February 13, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the cemetery of St. Mary Church in Crown Point. In keeping with Jane’s dedication to her community and her love of reading, in lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Rouge Family Endowment Fund with the Crown Point Community Foundation or the Friends of Crown Point Community Library.

Jane Rouge Martin

March 8, 1942 - February 6, 2024