Jane W. McMurchy, 87, of Waterloo, died at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home, Sunday, November 25, 2012.

Jane Wheeler Riggs was born July 25, 1925 in Bismarck, North Dakota, the younger of two daughters born to Grover and Mabel Riggs. She grew up in Bismarck where her father worked for Railway Mail Service and her mother was a teacher.

She was an accomplished clarinet player in high school she she received a grant to attend Drake University as a music major. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Drake University in 1947.

Following graduation, Jane taught instrumental music in schools in Dunlap, Iowa, Bismarck and New Salem, North Dakota and the Allison-Bristow School District in Iowa. While teaching in Bismarck, she met Boy Scout Executive, Lloyd McMurchy. They became engaged and were married June 10, 1950. Lloyd died May 3, 1990.

In 1956, they moved to Waterloo and raised their family. In 1965 Jane became the instrumental and band teacher for the Waterloo Community School District. She retired in 1990 after 25 years with the district.

Jane was a member of First Presbyterian Church and sang in their choir for over 60 years, she played the clarinet in the New Horizons Band, sang with the Metropolitan Chorale, and was a member of L.M.I.

Jane’s whole life revolved around music and it was also her source of spiritual fulfillment. She also loved to walk and stayed in excellent shape after retirement by taking long walks each day.

She is survived by her son Craig McMurchy of Waterloo; daughter Jean Menke of Waterloo; five grandchildren: Laura (Eric) Frost, Elaine McMurchy, Matthew Menke, Shannon McMurchy, and Ian McMurchy; two great grandchildren: Gavin and Janey Belle Frost; and her sister Lois Watts of Bismarck, North Dakota.

She was preceded in death by her husband, son-in-law Vernon Menke and brother-in-law Robert K. Watts.