Jacquelyn Gay

Jackie Gay, age 70, of LaHarpe, Kansas passed away at her home on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Jacquelyn Carol Hagan was born on August 13, 1953 at Greeley, Colorado. She was the second of five children born to George Fredrick Hagan and Ethel A. (Bias) Hagan. Jackie attended high school in Leavenworth, Kansas. In August of 1972, a chance meeting of a fellow service member of her brother, Ross, would result in what would become nearly 52 years of marriage. On August 23, 1972, Jackie was united in marriage to Don F. Gay at Peoria, Arizona. Their union was blessed with three children, Don, Bill, and Bobbi. Throughout Don's time in the Navy they lived in many places, but Kansas always remained home in Jackie's heart. They've made their home in LaHarpe since 1995.

Jackie's work consisted of many different jobs throughout her career. She invariably ended up working in leadership roles as she led by example with her work ethic. Jackie wanted her coworkers to see the best in themselves as she was supportive and encouraged them to grow in their job and in their lives. In her free time Jackie could most often be found mowing, working in the garden or creating anything from a wedding dress to wire art trees. Jackie's nurturing spirit was fulfilled in her later years as she was able to spend countless hours with her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and her "bonus" family members that she always seemed to find. At Jackie's, family dinners consisted of everyone who was there, family or not. While Jackie considered many to be family, she was blessed with a very special bond with her sister, Wanda. They spent countless hours in cemeteries as they researched family genealogy. The younger siblings had protectors in Wanda and Jackie and they remained the glue in the family.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Dede McDown and Esther Moore.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Don of the home; three children and her loving grandchildren, Don Gay and wife, Jenni of Sparks, Nevada, Bill Gay and wife, Cathy, of LaHarpe, Kansas, and Bobbi Copenhaver and husband, Nicholas of Pittsburg, Kansas; sister, Wanda Gatton and husband, Brent of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma; brother, Ross Hagan and wife, Diane of Leavenworth, Kansas; and many beloved nieces and nephews, who called her Aunt J.

Funeral services for Jackie will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Hwy 54, Iola, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Mildred, Kansas. Jackie's family will greet friends from 6:00-8:00 PM, Monday evening in The Venue at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, Iola, Kansas. Memorial contributions in Jackie's honor may be made to Wings for Warriors and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.