Ida Mae Jackson was born and raised on a Ranch SW of Douglas, WY where her grandfather Hammond's Hammond, WY post office served the area ranchers. She enjoyed working with her family to raise sheep and her job as a small child was to milk the cows at night and herd sheep by day around the hills surrounding Wagonhound Creek. She loved to gather interesting rocks, especially Indian artifacts.
A number of the girls in the family attended boarding and professional schools out of state and Ida found the love of her life after graduating high school right there on her family's ranch. George Gerald Jackson worked for her father there at the ranch and they were married October 22, 1947 soon after his return from World War II. George (Jerry) Jackson worked for Mountain Bell for 35 years as they raised their family of Jerry George Jackson (deceased), William Joseph Jackson (deceased) and Mary Jo (Jackson) England in Casper. Ida is survived by her daughter Mary England (Bill) and three sisters. Barbara Jean Read (Jim) Douglas, WY, Valley Joseph Hardy, Alliance, NE and Betty Domschot, El Segundo, CA.
Ida was a working Mom having gone back to school to obtain an Elementary Education degree and teaching at Casper's first Montessori School in the early 1970's. She later retired from 15 years of employment with the City of Casper, having enjoyed all that she worked with.
Her biggest job and joy was her family. She always said God first, family 2nd and everything else will fall in place. She loved teaching and children and helped to raise seven children other than her own. She is survived by 6 grandchildren. Cassie Robertson of Salt Lake City, UT, Tristian Jackson of Tempe, AZ Miranda Anoon (Nii) of Washington DC, Matthew Jackson (Sarah) of Casper, Alicia Schuller of Aspen, CO and Marc Schuller of Los Angeles, CA; and several great grandchildren.
Those wishing to memorialize her death may contribute to the Holy Cross Food Bank or Seton House in Casper,WY or charity of their choice.
Rosary for the repose of her soul will be at 7pm Tuesday, November 25,2014 at Newcomer Funeral Home in Casper. Funeral will be at 11am Wednesday, November 26th at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 400 Country Club Rd. Casper, WY 82609. Interment at Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery. Reception for family and friends following the services at the Casper Petroleum club. To leave a special message for the family please visit www.NewcomerCasper.com.