Anna Jane Channel, 94, of Ottumwa, died at 12:14 p.m. January 8, 2026 at Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa.

She was born July 28, 1931 in Des Moines to Waldo Jackson and Effie Jane “Jennie” Lane Channel.

A 1949 graduate of Indianola High School, Anna Jane attended Simpson College before moving to Ottumwa in 1952 to begin teaching at an elementary school. She attended Greenville College in Illinois to finish her teaching degree, returning to Ottumwa in 1956 where she taught first, second and third grades in the Ottumwa School District, retiring in 1993.

Anna Jane was a collector of cat figurines, dolls (especially those with fancy dresses) and pictures of the Dionne Quintuplets. She enjoyed scrapbooking, stamping, embroidering and travelling. She loved to read and especially loved playing with her cat, Tally.

Anna Jane was a member of the Pennsylvania Avenue Free Methodist Church and participated in the Senior Social Group and the Old Stuart School PTA. She was a member of the Wapello County Retired School Personnel, ISEA, NEA and OEA. She was also a member of the Ottumwa Reading Council, Business and Professional Women and the Women’s Missionary Society.

Surviving are her nephews, Rev. Brian (Tasha) Channel and Kim (Pam) Butler); and 4 great-nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Norman Channel; and her sister-in-law, Muriel Channel

Visitation will be open after 11 a.m. Tuesday January 13th at Reece Funeral Home with family present to greet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday January 14th at Pennsylvania Avenue Free Methodist Church. Burial will be in Ottumwa Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Pennsylvania Avenue Free Methodist Church.