Ireta G. Jackson

Life was very important to Ireta G. Jackson. She loved to travel and was able to visit many states and several countries. Ireta had quite the competitive side and thrived on winning, whether it was playing various games or cards, many learned quickly that life was easier when grandma won! Family time was also important to Ireta. Holding the babies in her arms along with the grand and great-grandchildren in her lap were tops. She was eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new great-great grandchild who will be born this spring. Family always came first from her soft and kind heart. Even though she was also sassy and stubborn, you always knew where you stood with Ireta.
Born on October 26, 1924 in Columbia City, she was the daughter of Joseph J. Schaefer and Sarah C. (Schermerhorn) Schaefer. The youngest of 8 children, Ireta had 5 older brothers and 2 older sisters to look up to.
She has spent most of her lifetime in Whitley County, except for 4 years in Fort Wayne, IN. In 1950 she returned to Whitley County and has resided there since. She attended Coesse Schools and attended Columbia City High School. On April 4, 1942, she married Oakley D. Jackson at age 17, and would make frequent visits during his service stay. Ireta was no stranger to hard work. She retired from Eckrich Meat Processing Plant in Fort Wayne, IN on January 1, 1985 after 35 years of dedicated service. She was a member of VFW Aux., the Eagles Lodge and American Legion in Columbia City, IN. In her down time Ireta could be found watching The Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune on television. She was also an avid traveler, where she once won the grand prize at a California game show she attended.
For many years Ireta enjoyed being the secretary and planning the yearly Jackson Family Reunion. Quilting was such a pleasure for Ireta that she painstakingly made a special quilt for each one of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with many still in use to this day. She will always be remembered in our loving hearts.
Ireta G. Jackson, age 93, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 3:40 pm Thursday, February 1, 2018 at Miller's at Oak Pointe, Columbia City, IN.
Survivors include her daughter, Patricia (Larry) Clark of Columbia City: son, Ronald (Diane) Jackson of Griffin, GA; grandchildren Carla (Steve) Gebert, Vicki Wireman, and Mike (Linda) Wilcoxson all of Columbia City and Eric (Sophea) Jackson of Newnan, GA; 8 great grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren; 9 step-great grandchildren; 11 step-great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Oakley D. Jackson, sisters, Nellie Ruth Hines and Edith Opal Koughn; brothers, Lawrence, Lester, Kenneth, Clell, and Earl Schaefer; great grandson Justin Wilcoxson.
Friends may call on Monday February 5, 2018 from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at DeMoney-Grimes, a LifeStory Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, IN. Funeral services for Ireta will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday February 6, 2018 at the funeral home with calling one hour prior. Burial will follow in Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne. Memorial contributions in memory of Ireta may be made to Parkview Hospice. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send a condolence.