Kathleen Louise Jacobs

April 24, 1953 – April 19, 2025

Kathleen Louise (Casey) Jacobs (née Ward) passed away peacefully at her home in North Port, Florida, on April 19, 2025, just shy of her 72nd birthday. She was surrounded by love, with her devoted husband Leonard by her side.

Born on April 24, 1953, in Schenectady, New York, Casey was the cherished daughter of Donald B. and Marian Ransom Ward. She graduated from Linton High School in 1971 and went on to pursue her passion for education, earning a Bachelor’s degree and teacher’s certificate in Elementary Education from Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas, in 1975.

Casey’s childhood years were full of outdoor adventures and family road trips. She was active in Girl Scouting throughout her school years, ultimately earning the First Class award—the highest honor in Girl Scouting at the time. Her love of games, especially Pinochle, brought laughter to many family gatherings—often prompting her trademark question mid-game: “What’s trump?” Music was a constant in her life. The house and car were filled with singing, especially harmonies with her sisters. Favorites included campfire songs and beloved tunes from The Sound of Music.

A wonderfully caring, sensitive, and giving person, Casey was a gentle soul who gave from the heart. She often stepped up to do the tasks no one else wanted. A former Girl Scout friend fondly remembered that Casey would always volunteer to scrub the soot-covered camping pots—a job everyone else dodged. She was also an avid reader and could often be found curled up with a good book.

Casey was always fond of the Ransom family and farm in Ottawa, Kansas, which led her to Ottawa University, where she met Leonard Jacobs. The two married on June 21, 1975, and made their home in Kinsley, Kansas, where both worked as teachers. Casey was a beloved 5th and 6th grade teacher who touched many lives through both education and her continued involvement in Scouting.

Later, Casey found another meaningful path in caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She worked for 25 years in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois, bringing laughter and song to the elderly residents she cared for. She especially enjoyed singing with them, brightening their days with music and joy.

Casey and Leonard raised three children: Leonard Jacobs, Jacqueline Jacobs, and Sharlynn Jacobs. Casey is remembered fondly as someone who always wanted to have fun and be silly. When shopping, she loved to sneak random items into the cart just to see if her daughters would notice, secretly giggling in delight at their embarrassed expressions. She instilled a deep love of reading in her children—most Saturdays were spent walking to the library together and returning with dozens of books to enjoy throughout the week. Above all, she was a steadfast supporter of her children, always offering a kind word and gentle encouragement whenever they needed her.

Casey is survived by her husband, Leonard Philip Jacobs; daughters Jacqueline (Jonah) Albertson and Sharlynn (Keith) Upton; and grandchildren Madison Manwarren, Leonard Manwarren, Kylie Albertson, Chloe Albertson, and Chance Albertson. She is also survived by her brothers Douglas (Susan) Ward and Michael (Nancy) Ward; sisters Amy (Mark) Webber and Vera (Martin) Rackley; her Malaysian sister, Khoo Hoon Eng; and nieces and nephews Jennifer (Nick) Lenkewich, Robert Ward, Scott (Chelsea) Ward, Lauren (Chad) Clewley, Andrew (Amy Aaron) Webber, Peter (Jessica) Webber, Jessica (Tarik) Foley, Thomas Rackley; as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Casey’s warmth, sense of humor, and boundless heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and love.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Epilepsy Foundation. www.epilepsy.com