Jayne L. Raef

Jayne Lehman Raef, 69, of Bourbonnais, passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2026 At Riverside Medical Center. She was born February 23, 1956, in Kankakee the daughter of John R. and Lois (St.John) Lehman. Jayne adored children and was the operator of Small World Daycare for 35 years. On February 10, 1978, she married Michael A. Raef at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Bradley. Jayne was a board member for 20 years before being Board President of the Bourbonnais Elementary School District for 4 years, as well as secretary for several years before that. She was a master board member of Illinois. She also supported the Life Giver’s Orphanage. She was a founding member of the Illinois Republican Women PAC. She was also a member of Kankakee County Republican Women, Illinois Federation of Republican Women, & National Federation of Republican Women. Jayne served on the IFRW Executive Board since 2018 and held the position of President from 2020-2023. She remained on the IFRW Executive Board as the past President for two more years. She traveled the State of Illinois speaking to Republican Women's Clubs, leading and mentoring women. She served on nominating committees multiple times and influenced the IFRW's direction during those years. She held a position on executive board over the years - coordinating statewide conferences, conventions and traveling to Washington DC for NFRW board meetings. National conferences in PA and OK that we attended together. Jayne was very involved at Cornerstone Church and was very strong in her faith. She loved to read scripture and share her faith with anyone she could. She enjoyed painting parties and making cards. She loved to cook and bake for her loved ones. Jayne was also an author; she wrote Curly Girly and Weasel. Most of all she loved spending time and spoiling her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Michael A. Raef of Bourbonnais; children, Marie (Todd) Dersien of Bourbonnais and Charles B. Raef of Bradley; sister, Joan Miner of Tennessee; 3 grandchildren, Reilly (Jadon) Sowles of Bourbonnais, Aiden Dersien of Bourbonnais, and Laurel Marie of Florida; great grandson, Grayson Sowles; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jayne is preceded in death by her father, John R. Lehman; mother and stepfather, Lois and Norman Bauer; in-laws, Charles G. and Carol P. Raef; maternal grandparents, Jay and Mary Bessie St. John; paternal grandparents, Earl and Laurine Lehman. Visitation will be held Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Cornerstone Church, Bourbonnais from 2pm to 6 pm. The funeral service will be held Monday, January 19, 2026, at 11am at Cornerstone Church. Burial will immediately follow at Kankakee Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.

Jayne L. Raef

February 23, 1956 - January 13, 2026