Dorothy “Jane” Birkes
October 11, 1946 – September 23, 2026
Dorothy “Jane” Birkes, 79, passed away on September 23, 2026. Born in McPherson, Kansas, on October 11, 1946, Jane lived a life centered on family, kindness, and finding the good in others.
Jane was married to the love of her life, Bobby Dean Birkes for 40 years before his passing in 2006. She remained devoted to his memory, carrying her love for him throughout the rest of her life.
For more than 20 years, Jane worked as a quality control technician at Baldor Electric. After retiring, she took on her favorite job: chasing grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed visiting with friends, spending time with her beloved puppies, and making room in her heart for anyone who needed a little extra love.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Annas Verlon Kemp Wynne, and her mother’s husband, Eugene “Gene” Wynne; her beloved husband, Bobby Dean Birkes; four brothers, Bill, Alden, Lee, and Joe Wynne; two sisters, Ann Dobbs and Judy Wynne; and two nephews, Dustin Shreve and Michael Wynne.
Jane is survived by her children: Robert Birkes and wife Carletta of Lincoln, Arkansas; Henry Birkes and wife Tracy of Springdale, Arkansas; Cheryle Cooper of Lincoln; and Deon Birkes and wife Traci of Lincoln. She also leaves behind her sisters, Pam Carpenter of Pawhuska, Oklahoma; Betty Bartholomew of Prairie Grove, Arkansas; and Mildred Dawn Phillips of Prairie Grove.
Her grandchildren include Jerred Birkes and wife Abigail of Lincoln; Chad Birkes and wife Sarah of Pea Ridge; Jacob Birkes and Jenna Birkes of Springdale; Bridget Treadwell and her husband Brian of Lincoln; Jerry Cooper of Springdale; and Jace Birkes and Layni Birkes of Lincoln. Her great-grandchildren include Jordyn Paine, Lukas Birkes, Austin Myers, and Kaylee Cooper.
Jane believed in seeing the good in people and helping them build better lives for themselves. To her, family extended well beyond bloodlines. She welcomed many into her life and proudly called them her own including Chris Mantia and Beverly Whitehead.
And, of course, no accounting of Jane’s family would be complete without her four-legged kids: Charlie Bear, Casey, and Zoe, who would like everyone to know they were the favorites. Lilly, now in Layni’s care, is keeping that opinion to herself.
Jane will be remembered for her faithful love, her generous heart, and her belief that everyone deserved someone who could see the good in them. For so many, Jane was that someone.