Jane Coxe Bassett Shellhamer Oaks

Jane Coxe Bassett Shellhamer Oaks
1932-2023

Jane Coxe Bassett Shellhamer Oaks passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN on December 20, 2023. Jane was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert H. Shellhamer, Ph.D. who she married in 1955 and J. Howard Oaks, D.D.S. who she married in 1989 and also son-in-law David Emsweller. Jane is survived by her children Elizabeth Tysklind (Erik), Robert Shellhamer (Denise), Susan Emsweller, and Judith Kuhn (Mark), her eight grandchildren, Gunnar (Diana)and Christian Tysklind, Nathaniel (Monica)and Alexander Shellhamer, Duncan and Ethan Emsweller, and Logan Kuhn and Reilly (Aidan) Wojciehowski, and her three great-grandchildren Carson, Nora, and Liliana Tysklind. She was born in New Haven, Connecticut on November 4, 1932 to Frederick H. Bassett and Josephine (Ne’ Coxe) Bassett. She lived in Philadelphia, PA, Rochester, NY, Columbus, OH, Chicago, IL, Indianapolis, IN, Carmel, IN, Bloomington, IN, Oak Ridge, TN, Long Island, NY and Longboat Key, FL. Jane’s educational journey included Tudor Hall for Girls, Indianapolis, IN, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN where she earned a Bachelor’s degree, and Methodist Hospital School of Medical Technology earning an MT (ASCP) degree. Professionally she worked at Ramey Tennis School, as a Medical Technologist, Area Manager for Leiter’s Designer Fabrics, and Weight Watchers. Tennis was an important passion for Jane. She began playing tennis at age 8 and had played on several teams. Jane had competed in many tournaments including the Mayor’s Cup Championship, Indianapolis, IN. She had a National Ranking as a senior player. She also enjoyed painting, sewing, knitting, reading, poetry, and letters-to-the editor. Jane’s volunteer activities included Girl Scouts, her Childrens’ schools, voting polls, and the Faculty Women’s Club of Indiana University School of Medicine. To her grand and great-grandchildren: watch your grammar, watch Jeopardy daily, develop your love of tennis, and have as many Nana Peanut butter Sundaes as you possibly can. To her children: “Cheers” with a glass of Chardonnay or a Martini. A private family gathering is planned for the future. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the Class of 1969 Robert Shellhamer Scholarship fund at the Indiana University School of Medicine, c/o IU Foundation, PO Box 6460, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Arrangements entrusted to Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary. Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.arnmortuary.com.