Sarah Jane Hardin

Sarah “Jane” Hardin, age 91, passed away on September 28, 2023, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Jane was born May 22, 1932, in Clayton, Oklahoma, a daughter and middle child of Ruby and Theodore Miller. She had an older brother Melvin and a younger brother Lloyd. She came from humble beginnings, raised alongside her two brothers where she developed a strong work ethic by necessity and talents that would serve her well throughout her life. As a youth, she worked at a drive-in restaurant where she met Ken Hardin. He asked her on a date and their love story began. After a short engagement the two were married March 24, 1950, in Frederick, Oklahoma. Jane went on to finish her high school education and they built a life as newlyweds.

Jane began her work career by opening Jane’s Steakhouse located near the OKC Farmers Market alongside her husband Ken and her parents. Jane and Ken were blessed with their only son Steven Lee Hardin, September 4, 1962. Jane was a mother with character who provided well for her family. She was his cub scout den mom and attended all of his school and sports activities. Steve knew he was loved, as did her four grandchildren Jake, Adam, Claire, and Audrey who all knew her as "Mimi."

Jane was best known for being a successful businesswoman, who pushed hard, but was always fair. She was very compassionate and loving to anyone she met. Jane had a friendly personality to whom others gravitated and she always enjoyed meeting and talking with people.

Jane began her career at the Better Business Bureau with an entry level position. Over the span of over 40 years with the BBB, she served over three decades as CEO. With her husband’s help, Jane led the BBB into a more modern era overseeing the implementation of their first computer system. She was the recipient of numerous honors and awards from organizations such as the OKC Chamber of Commerce, National Federation of Businesswomen, and was a founding regent of Oklahoma City Community College. It was important to Jane to serve in leadership roles in various organizations in the metro. Jane and her husband Ken co-hosted a television show featured on Channel 4 called “Money and You”. The goal was to raise awareness and protect consumers from fraud and financial scams.

Jane loved public speaking, leadership, advocacy, and serving the community. She loved traveling, spending time with her family, and certainly Braum’s strawberry sundaes. Some of her happiest times were the many trips with her husband Ken as well as visiting extended family in Southeastern Oklahoma.

Jane is survived by her son Steve and wife Joni; grandson Jake Hardin; grandson Adam Hardin and wife Hannah; granddaughter Claire Hardin, granddaughter Audrey Hardin, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jane is preceded in death by her parents Ruby and Theodore Miller; husband of 55 years Ken Hardin; infant sister Naomi Miller; brother Melvin Miller, and brother Lloyd Miller.