Celebrate your loved one’s life in a way that’s as independent as they were – in the Daily State News and BayTobayNews.com. Share fond memories, photos and information on celebrations of life using our easy, step-by-step process.
Etta Jane Clendaniel passed away in Idaho on April 7, 2026, at the age of 73. Jane was born to Ted and Margaret (Messick) Horsey of Woodland Beach Road, Smyrna, Delaware. She graduated from Smyrna’s school system in 1970 and attended the University of Delaware at Newark and Del Tech in Georgetown.
Jane was a youth member of her church choir, the Junior Grange and Civil Air Patrol. She attended Asbury United Methodist Church of Smyrna, Smyrna Wesleyan Church, and Victory World Outreach in Rathdrum, Idaho, and traveled twice to Ecuador on Lutheran missions.
Jane worked all her adult life, for Barry Van Lines, Kent General Hospital, and several doctors’ offices. She retired after more than 30 years with Dr. Lamberto Arellano, where she valued building and using her medical knowledge and organizational skills and enjoyed supporting patients and their families.
Jane was married to Roy Clendaniel from 1998 until his death in 2016. They enjoyed church, lazy beach days, and family gatherings, where Jane’s contributions from her kitchen were legendary. Happily, Jane again found a partner, Mike Leager, with whom she united in September 2023. Jane moved to Idaho to be with Mike at his daughter Melinda’s home. They enjoyed exploring the Idaho panhandle together and had a memorable mobile home road trip back East the summer of 2025. Mike and Jane committed to helping one another through their final days. Mike died in December 2025, and Jane followed in April.
Jane was predeceased by her parents, by husband Roy Clendaniel, and by beloved Joseph Michael Leager. Jane is survived by sister Lyn Horsey of Baltimore, Maryland, an aunt, Martha Trimper of Ocean City, Maryland, Melinda and Stan Freemyers of Spirit Lake, Idaho, who provided Jane and Mike their final home, as well as a host of cherished family members and friends.
There will be a Celebration of Life 12:30pm Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Smyrna Wesleyan Church, 433 W. Commerce Street, Smyrna DE 19977, followed by a church hall luncheon. Donations in lieu of flowers to Smyrna Wesleyan Church or to Victory World Outreach, 8052 W. Main Street, Rathdrum, ID 83858.
