The Union’s longtime ‘Between the Lines’ columnist dies 

Jannes S. Westerfield, 96, of San Jose, Calif., formerly of West Union, died peacefully April 2, 2013, in her home in San Jose.

No services are planned, in keeping with Jannes’ wishes.

Margaret Jannes (Savery) Westerfield was born June 5, 1916, in Atlantic to Clarence and Olive (Pellett) Savery.  She grew up in Atlantic and attended Atlantic High School.  

Jannes graduated summa cum laude from the University of Iowa, where she earned a BA degree in English with a minor in drama. 

At the university, she was selected for Mortarboard, an academic honor society, and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.   Jannes also was selected as the first University of Iowa Homecoming Queen and honor court member for the Dolphin Swim Club.  She was a dancer with the University Highlander marching band. She received the high honor of becoming Honorary Cadet Colonel for the University of Iowa ROTC and, as such, traveled the state as an ambassador for the university and ROTC.  

On Sept. 24, 1938, Jannes married Richard Westerfield, whom she had met at the University of Iowa, and moved to West Union.     Dick was the son of Charles Mansfield and Kate (Stith) Westerfield. 

During their years in West Union, Dick and Jan were longtime members of Bethel Presbyterian Church, where Jannes served on numerous committees and circles.   She also was a member of the PEO Sisterhood and served in each of the offices, including president.  

For more than 35 years, Jan authored the awarding-winning column “Between the Lines,” which appeared weekly in The Fayette County Union.   

During the 12 years from 1969 to 1981, she and Dick traveled internationally, leading several of the National Newspaper Association study missions.  Jannes wrote about their trips, sharing the culture, people and travel experiences with the readers of her column.

In 1983, after Dick’s retirement, the Westerfields moved to Sun City, Ariz., where Jannes continued her association with PEO.  

In 2013, following the death of her husband, she moved to San Jose, Calif.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dick, on Sept. 2, 2012; three brothers; and a sister.  

Survivors include two daughters, Sara West of Mt. Hermon, Calif., and Jane Turner of Bedford, Texas; a son, Dr. Monte Westerfield and his wife, Kay (Jahnke) Westerfield, of Eugene, Ore.; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Sara West, 1745 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, CA 95129-5201.