Sara Jane (Janie) Weible, 87, was taken from us suddenly on July 8, 2025, at Christiana Medical Center, with close family by her side. Though her loss was unexpected, she passed peacefully, leaving behind a profound legacy of love, compassion, resilience, and strength. Janie was a woman of dignity and was admired by all who knew her. Her life was marked by selflessness, a deep love for family, and a commitment to those she cared for.
Janie was born in October of 1937, at Ridley Park Hospital in Pennsylvania, to Robert John Hoar and Catherine Ruth Neuhauser. Raised in Gap, Pennsylvania, she shared a close bond with her parents and especially with her sister, Jean Kern, with whom she created a lifetime of cherished memories. Janie graduated from Prospect Park High School in 1954, where she served as the lead drum majorette in the high school band. This role left her with lasting memories and a deep love of music, particularly jazz, rock and roll, and the timeless songs of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett.
Janie married Douglas M. Ruthardt in 1964, and their marriage was filled with adventure and love. Together, they explored the Atlantic coastline, traveled to the Caribbean, and enjoyed many summers on Delaware’s beaches, where Janie first discovered her love of seafood. In 1972, they adopted a son, Ronald Ruthardt.
In 1982, Janie married her high school sweetheart, William (Bill) Weible. They spent 25 wonderful years together, vacationing at the Delaware beaches. Their shared love of classic cars led them to attend many car shows and participate in car club activities. Bill passed away in 2007, leaving a void in Janie’s life that was difficult to fill.
Janie later found comfort in a close friendship with Lee Hone, who had recently lost his wife, Judith (Judy) Kay Hone, in 2006. Janie and Lee first met in 1969, when Janie and Judy became close friends while working at Bell Atlantic. Over the years, Janie and Lee’s friendship blossomed into a loving partnership. Together, they shared 56 years of memories—first as friends, then as partners.
Janie began her professional career in 1960 with Bell Atlantic, where she spent 35 years, retiring as a business office manager in Wilmington, Delaware. Known for her leadership, she recruited, trained, and inspired her team to consistently exceed expectations, earning multiple awards for her managerial excellence.
Following retirement, she began a second career as an assistant store manager at Mona’s Health Food Store in northern Delaware. There, she was known for her deep product knowledge, kindness, and sincere dedication to helping customers, many of whom returned regularly for her trusted guidance.
Janie is survived by her sister, Jean Kern; stepsons, Gregg and Jay Weible (wife Cathy Wick Weible); step-grandchildren, Taylor and Wyatt Weible; partner, Lee Hone, and his sons, Jason Hone (wife, Haylee Tubbs) and Justin Hone (wife, Jissel Claros); Lee’s granddaughter Daisy Lee Hone; and numerous extended family members and friends who will carry her memory with them always. Janie was also beloved by many who have passed, especially Jordan Hone and Misty Kern.
A visitation and memorial service will be held on July 22, 2025, beginning 10:00 a.m. at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE, followed by interment at 2:30pm at Bellevue Cemetery, Gap, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Brandywine Valley SPCA, as Janie was an avid lover of all animals, especially her cats Woodgie, Cozy, and Scochie, and dogs Snafu and Sheena
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