Mary Jane Coatney was born in Rocky Ford to Frank W. And Mary C. Smith. She arrived as Mary Jane Smith along with her twin brother, Jerry. Waiting at home in Manzanola for them were her twin sisters, Corrine (Billie) and Florrine (Sammie).

Her childhood was spent growing up in Manzanola where she graduated high school. After graduation she did civil service office work. While doing this she met and married Jim Brown. With Jim being in the Air Force they lived in several different places with their son, Leroy being born in Colorado Springs and their daughter, Vickie being born in Anchorage, Alaska. Eventually they made their home in Rocky Ford.

After several years she became single. This is when she became a telephone operator in the La Junta office. After being an operator for several years, she met and married Ralph Coatney. After Ralph's passing, she obtained her Daycare License. She watched and cared for many kids in her home for several years. She decided to give up her license and moved on to becoming a door greeter at La Junta Walmart. Eventually she left this to go back to working with children again and became a teacher's aide at Washington Primary School.

Mary Jane loved kids especially her grandkids. Thinking of her grandkids is what kept her fighting and overcoming several obstacles in her life.

Unfortunately, she lost her fight and gained her angel wings on August 24, 2024. She was 87 years old and had been a resident of Pioneer Health Care Center for the past several years.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her twin sisters and their husbands, her twin brother and his wife and her son-in-law Bill Neel.

Surviving family members are her son Leroy (Peg) Brown, her daughter Vickie Neel. Her grandchildren Kristin (Mitch) Reece, Cassie (Brad) Brusuelas, Ashley (Justin) Marlow, Aarron (Olivia) Brown, Rory (Erin Mullaney) Neel and Tyler Neel. Her great grandchildren Miley Reece, Addison Brusuelas, Emily Brusuelas, Collette Brown, Brianna Brusuelas, Noah Brusuelas, Walter Brown, Aspen Marlow, Beckett Marlow and Ethan Neel. As well as several nieces and nephews.