Patricia Jackson

On January 31, 2011 Pat passed away at her daughter’s home. She was born June 17, 1925 in Milwaukee, WI, the daughter of Devota (Billings) and Frederick Rufer. Pat had an older sister, Kathleen and later had two half sisters, Helen and Nancy as well as three step brothers.

During the summer of 1942 and in the midst of WWII, Pat worked as a waitress at a restaurant in Monroe, WI. Since there was a US Army Air Force base in Monroe, many young soldiers frequented the restaurant; however, one young man kept returning again and again … not because of the food … it was that pretty, little waitress Russell Jackson had his eyes on. Eventually they began dating and a few months later, on November 19, 1942, they married in the Swiss Reformed Church of New Glarus, WI.

Their first home was an apartment above a Butcher Shop in New Glarus. On August 28, 1943 their daughter Nancy was born. Three months later, Russ was transferred to Connecticut (and many other places moving him closer to the war), so Pat and baby lived with Florence and Johnny Durst on their farm. A few months later Pat’s brother-in-law, Chuck Buxton, drove to WI to bring Pat and baby to Plainwell so Russ’s family could look after his wife and baby until he could return home. Pat rented an upstairs apartment near Thelma and Chuck Buxton’s house but later moved to Russ’s Aunt Eva’s apartment on Allegan St. in Plainwell. Russ was discharged on November 10, 1945 and returned home to his family.

A few years later, Pat worked at Plainwell Electric (owned by Russ and Chuck Buxton), Woolworths in Kalamazoo, the Dime store in Plainwell, Simcox Grocery in Plainwell, and as a Cashier at Harding’s Market for over 22 years. Pat really enjoyed her job; because she loved visiting with the customers and liked her co-workers …she was a people person. At that time the store’s motto was Hardings “Friendly” Market and she was “Friendly Pat”.

After having breast cancer twice and her thyroid removed, Pat decided to retire earlier than originally planned. A few years later, Russ joined her in retirement. They bought a trailer in Punta Gorda, FL so they could vacation there during the winter months and enjoy the good life.

For many years Pat enjoyed crocheting afghans and later she loved watching old movies as well as taping them. She also enjoyed eating out and playing cards with “The Girls”, hosting reunions for the Harding’s Retirees and of course many family gatherings.

When Russ became sick, he suggested they get a dog (probably so Pat would have a companion in his possible absence). The little dog, Digger, became her best buddy. Pat and Russ shared 57 years of marriage until he passed away on May 7, 2000. After Digger past away in 2008, Pat moved to her daughter’s home until her death. Surviving Pat are her daughter Nancy Jackson-Bird, her grandson David Bird, and her other grandson Kevin (Theresa) Bird, one great granddaughter Rossi (Bird) Fifelski, and her sister, Nancy (Dick) Marquardt of WI. The Jackson family, which includes many different last names now, took this Wisconsin girl into their hearts and made her one of their own.

I’d like my memory to be a happy one,

An afterglow of smiles when life is done.

I’d like an echo whispering down the ways

Of remembered happy times and sunny days.

I’d like to dry the tears of all who grieve,

And instead leave pleasing memories of me.

I’d like to think that for a little while

You will remember me, and smile.