Jane Marlow Willis Honored
at Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary
with Release of American Kestrels

More than twenty-five guests gathered at Broadbent Wildlife
Sanctuary in Guston for a very special event on the morning of
August 4.   Six American Kestrels that had been raised at the
sanctuary were released in honor of Journalist, humanitarian, and
well-known Meade County resident, Jane Marlow Willis, who
passed away at the age of 68 earlier this year.   In 2009, Ms. Willis
had nominated Mary Ann Tobin, Founder of Broadbent Wildlife
Sanctuary, as the recipient of the conservation award from the
state and local chapters of the Daughters of the American
Revolution.  Ms. Willis passed away just before the award could be
presented, so Ms. Tobin made a decision to name a rescued baby
American kestrel after her – thus the name “Baby Jane”.  American
Kestrels, also known as sparrow hawks, are the smallest falcons in
North America, and this one arrived at Broadbent in very bad
shape.  Tobin, a State and Federally-licensed wildlife rehabilitator,
nursed the baby back to health, and raised her until she was
determined to be ready for release.

The big day finally arrived.  Guests were anxious to see “Baby
Jane” and five other kestrels take to the skies.   Broadbent staff
gave a short educational presentation featuring Broadbent’s
Animal Ambassadors.   Cakes designed in the likeness of the
kestrel were served to guests, who joined in a champagne toast to
Ms. Willis as the birds were released.  (See Tobin’s toast below.)  In
attendance were Betty Chambliss (Willis’s aunt), members of the
Daughters of the American Revolution, several Board Members
and supporters of the organization, and staff.




A Toast to Jane Marlow Willis - Written by Mary Ann Tobin
with Admiration

“I have known Jane Marlow Willis probably all of my life.  Jane’s Aunt
and Uncle who owned the Irvington Herald News lived directly across
the main street in Irvington in their living quarters over their
newspaper.  My family lived over our dry goods store, “Tobin’s Store”,
directly across from Mr. and Mrs. George Wilson.  Jane’s grandparents
lived just across the railroad tracks in the large white house.  

Jane and I were both intelligent for our age, which was about the
same, but we never had much in common and always had trouble
making small talk when thrown together by the friendship of our
families.  I was a terribly bashful young girl and Jane tended to stutter
slightly when she started telling an important story, so we truly had to
work when we found ourselves together trying to communicate.  

I do know Jane was extremely intelligent, totally dedicated to Meade
County and everything that was good for Meade County.  She was a
consummate journalist and would go above and beyond to write and
research a story, and unlike a few journalists I have known, she
always struggled to know the truth and relate that to the people of
Meade County.

Jane should have been listed in the Reader’s Digest as one of the
special people whom everyone should know.  She was definitely an
individual and One of a Kind.   People these days with these
characteristics are either on the endangered species list or may
already be extinct.   Meade Countians were blessed to have had her
dedicate herself to Meade County
and its welfare.”
Betty Chambliss (Jane's Aunt) with
"Baby Jane" just before her release.
Cakes dedicated to both "Jane's".