Martha Jane "Janie" Hale was born on February 9, 1940, to Harold and A. Lorraine (Hodges) Grindle at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She passed away on July 18, 2026, in Omaha, Nebraska.

Janie attended a one-room country school through the eighth grade before graduating from Malvern High School in Malvern, Iowa, in 1957. She earned her teaching diploma from Nebraska State Teachers College in Peru, Nebraska, in 1959.

She began her teaching career as a first-grade teacher in Glenwood, Iowa, where she met Norris George "Scooter" Hale. They were married in 1961 and built a life centered on family, education, and friends.

In the summer of 1972, she earned her Bachelor’s degree from Peru State College. In the Fall of that same year, the family moved to Pella, Iowa, where Janie began teaching middle school literature. She remained devoted to her students and the subject she loved for 31 years. In 1986, she earned her master's degree from Drake University, further reflecting her lifelong commitment to education. The impact she made in the classroom extended far beyond her teaching years. Many former students stayed in touch with Janie and her family well into her retirement, often telling them she had been one of their favorite teachers and expressing their gratitude for the lasting influence she had on their lives.

Janie found joy in reading, quilting, playing bridge, and spending time with family and friends over games and conversation. Following her retirement in 2003, she enjoyed traveling, with Hawaii, Las Vegas, New York City, and Washington, D.C., among her favorite destinations.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Scooter; her brother, Roger Grindle; and her daughter-in-law, Julie Hale.

Janie is survived by her three children: Scott Hale of West Des Moines, Iowa; Mick (Lisa) Hale of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Lori Hale. She also leaves behind four grandchildren: Zack (Logan) Tafelski of Houston, Texas; Jordan (Danielle) Hale of Omaha, Nebraska; Katie Hale of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Elizabeth Hale of Chicago, Illinois. She is further survived by her great-grandchildren, Jay and Jude Hale and Decker and Teller Tafelski, as well as a very special niece, Simone Grindle of Springfield, Missouri.

Janie will be remembered for her gift of conversation, her infectious laughter, her unwavering love for her family, and the countless acts of kindness she extended to family and friends throughout her life. Her warmth, generosity, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter in Oskaloosa, Iowa, or the Malvern Public Library in Malvern, Iowa.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 29, at 10:00 a.m. at Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Pella, Iowa. Inurnment and a small graveside service will follow that afternoon at 5:00 p.m. at Malvern Cemetery in Malvern, Iowa.