Obituary of Kathie Jack
Kathleen Ann Jack passed away in Lloydminster, SK on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
Kathie is survived by: her husband, David Jack; her sons, Kevin (Lisa) Jack, Lenard (Donalda) Jack; and daughter, Heather (Rob) Ferguson; her pride and joy - her grandchildren, Kyle (Amanda) Jack, Cody (Megan) Steiner, Brady (Kendra) Jack, Ryley Jack, Sara (Will) Wiser, Brett (Haley) Ferguson and Hailey (Nolan) Ferguson; her great-grandchildren, Lauchlyn, Hadleigh Jack, Easton, Cash, Sully, Frankie Steiner, Bruer and Lexxyn Jack, Kensie Kate Ferguson; special niece, Dorothy Cooper; and good friend, Elaine Barthel; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Kathie is predeceased by: her parents, Elmer & Kathleen Lang; her sister and brother-in-law, Audrey and Ralph Cooper; brother, Ernest Lang; nephews, Glen and Barry Cooper; mother and father-in-law, Margaret and Alfred Jack; and brother-in-law, Richard Smith.
The Funeral Service for Kathie will be conducted from McCaw Funeral Chapel, Lloydminster, AB on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 1:00 pm.
Donations in memory of Kathie may be made to Kitscoty Cemetery, Stollery Children's Hospital or donor's charity of choice.
Eulogy (written by family and read by grandchildren, Brady & Kendra Jack)
Today we are here to celebrate the life of one strong and amazing lady. She went by many titles, Kathleen, Kathie, Kate, wife, mom, auntie, grandma and her biggest honor, great grandma. It’s tough to sum up a life that was so precious, but everyone here has their own love and memories to hold on to, so through each and every one of you, mom’s life will carry on through us all.
Kathleen Ann Lang was born December 26, 1940, a late Christmas present, for Elmer and Kathleen Lang. She was the baby of the family but easily won over the love of her older siblings, Audrey and Ernest. Mom had lots of great memories of growing up on the farm, it was a life she loved!
We’ve all heard the stories of having to walk or ride horseback to school, didn’t matter the weather or the temperature, you went regardless. Mom was no exception! We all heard about her adventures and I’m sure Arlene could tells us many stories. She attended the little country school of Kinnaird, before moving on to the bright lights of Kitscoty to finish her schooling. There were many stories from Kinnaird that would make any teacher today cringe, but everything was all in fun and good memories were made. Going to Kitscoty to finish her schooling, also meant leaving home and staying in the dorms! A huge change for all the country kids, but one they embraced and with that came new responsibilities and friendships that lasted a lifetime. Mom was obviously a social butterfly and loved by many as she was voted Carnival Queen while attending Kitscoty High School which she graduated from in 1959. After graduating mom made the big move to Lloydminster, renting a basement suite with friend, Georgette, and attending Reeve’s College where she took a secretarial program. Upon completion she worked at the CKSA radio station.
During this time there was a guy who caught her eye. A few casual encounters, then dating, led to something that would change her life forever. After dating for a few years, dad drove to Edmonton bought a ring and popped the big question. To his delight, mom said yes and on July 8, 1961, in the little United Church in Kitscoty she married David Jack. They started their farm life in a little house with no running water. Mom loved the farm and was never one to turn away from a little hard work. She would tackle anything, and dad took full advantage of that! In the spring of 1964, Kevin was born, and she wore the title of mom with pride and joy! In March of 1966, they were blessed with another son when Lennie joined the family. Life became busier, but like everything else, mom loved every moment. In 1968, mom and dad built a new house, a little bigger but most importantly, with all the amenities, including having running water! In November of 1969 Heather was born, and that would complete the family.
Their family may have been complete, but the farm kept growing and so did the responsibilities of being not only a farm wife but also a mom. More land was bought and the cattle expanded. Mom enjoyed helping dad out whenever he needed an extra hand and she loved working with the cattle and of course everyone’s favorite, the baby calves. There were many mornings us kids would wake up to find a newborn calf laying in the utility room so it wouldn’t succumb to mother nature! Farming wasn’t just a job it was a way of life. Family and neighbours were always there and willing to help out whenever needed. Many stories over the years with the Smith’s, silaging with the Stones, and harvesting with Ernest and of course the baler men, Uncle Alex and Lou Barthel. Nothing better than a table full of silagers or suppers in the field during harvest. Where stories were told, and memories were made. Just like any other farm wife, you had to have a big garden. Mom loved the fresh veggies, the canning and pickling but did not love weeds! She always told us the story of Grandpa Jack telling her, “He was amazed at how well her garden did with all the weeds”! Mom loved the outdoors and took pride in her yard and flowers. She would much rather be outside than stuck in the house. Mom was a little particular when it came to her yard. She always pushed the back yard with the push mower; she thought it looked better. One of her biggest pet peeves was to see dad jump on the ride on lawn mower and spin donuts on her lawn!
Living in the Wildwood community meant many get together with neighbors, friends and family. Potluck suppers, card parties, Christmas parties or any other reason to get together. You look back now and realize how special these times were together. Sunday family suppers shared with the Lang’s and Cooper’s was something we all looked forward too. Mom was a member of the Ladies Loyal Order of Forester’s. Meetings, volunteer and community work and of course a chance to visit with all the ladies. Mom was also involved with the Kitscoty Agriculture Society and the Kitscoty Figure Skating Club. She was never afraid to tackle anything thrown at her. She was happy to help organize the fair, help cater any events held at the arena, or anything else that needed to be done. Mom was instrumental in getting the first sound system put into the arena, so the Figure Skating Club actually had music. It didn’t matter the hours of labor she would put in on the farm, she was still willing to volunteer as many hours to the community.
FAMILY! Mom raised three kids and was there for all of us. She was our biggest supporter, our biggest shoulder to cry on…she was our everything! She was the glue that held our family together. We didn’t always make life easy for her, but she took it all in stride. The highs and the lows. She loved us all with everything she had, didn’t matter what was done or said, she always forgave us and could always see the best in each of us. She was one amazing lady, that shaped us into who we are today, and for that we are forever grateful. Mom embraced Donalda, Rob and Lisa into our family, and she was happy to see her kids find their lifelong partners who she also loved like her own. Then in December of 1984 mom got to add the title of Grandma to her name when Kyle was born. She was over the moon excited to be a grandma and of course loved every minute she got to spend with Kyle. She was so pumped to climb into the combine last fall and go for one last combine ride, the smile on her face sitting beside Kyle was priceless. Her role expanded in November of 1988 when Brady came along. His mischievous smile lit up her heart and his desire to be just like grandpa, right down to the snuff can in one pocket and the pen, notepad, & glass case in the other, how do you not love and adore that? In August of 1992 Ryley was born, his smile, easy going ways and loving nature was so easy to love. The boys brought so much enjoyment into her life and a twinkle in her eyes. Mom and Dad followed all the kid’s activities, loved the sleepovers at the farm and the little trips they made. They loved taking the boys to the Calgary Stampede, and of course, we can’t forget the gopher museum at Torrington or the hoodoos in Drumheller! In the summer of 1996, Brett was born. Mom thought this was going to be her granddaughter, but another grandson she got, and she couldn’t have been prouder. The two of them shared a special bond right from the start, and that will never end. In July of 1999, mom was blessed with her beautiful granddaughter Hailey, finally a girl! Mom couldn’t have been happier and the bond they shared is everlasting. Whoever said blood makes you family, didn’t know what they were talking about! Cody and Sara…Mom embraced you two into her heart and her arms, she instantly knew that you belonged, and you were hers. As the years went on, Grandma welcomed Amanda, Kendra, Megan, Will, Haley and Nolan to her list of grandkids. She loved being involved in your lives, the phone calls and the visits. Know that you each held a special place in her life and her heart. Mom always said that being a grandma was special, but being a great grandma was the greatest honor! In the fall of 2007, she welcomed her first great grandson, Easton, and her chest burst with pride and happiness. Her role as great grandma expanded over the years with Cash, Lauchlyn, Hadleigh, Bruer, Sully, Lexxyn, Frankie, and last, but not least, Kensie Kate. Her littlest loves called her Great grandma, or as Lexxyn would say my old grandma with the cracks in her face, referring to her wrinkles! The freezer was always stocked with strawberry ice cream, and on her table would be a bowl full of cheezies for when the kids came for a visit. Your little smiles brightened her day as she loved you so much and held you as her greatest honor.
Mom loved adventures and travels, whether it be a drive down the old back roads, checking on crops, new countryside or flying off into the sunset, she enjoyed every minute of it. In the earlier years, farming was a priority, however there were a few trips out to BC, down east, and into the states. Any road trips we took as a family, mom always joked, as we stopped at every John Deere dealership along the way, dad just couldn’t pass one by! This made the long trip to Brandon, Manitoba to see Clifford and Gloria Sholdice even longer. Do you know how many dealerships are along the way? Mom and Dad had many road trips with Lou and Elaine Barthel, not very often did they miss the races at the Calgary Stampede as well as trips to Arizona and Mexico. If you know the four of them, you know they had lots of laughs together and maybe got into a few unexpected situations! The stories told showed us all the amazing friendship they shared. Glen & Dorothy were so special to both mom and dad. They were always up for a visit and took mom and dad on so many drives, whether it was a crop tour, trip for ice cream, or a stop at a casino. Days spent with them made mom’s heart happy. Mom and dad were always up for a road trip; they enjoyed a trip to BC with Lennie & Donalda and brunches and drives with Kevin & Lisa. Rob & Heather planned a trip to Disneyland in 2004 with the kids and asked mom and dad to join. It was a struggle to convince dad to go but mom decided she was going regardless, so needless to say, dad eventually caved in! That was the beginning of many trips we shared together: Niagara Falls, San Diego, several trips to Mexico, Dominican and Hawaii. We have so many memories and we will all cherish them forever. One of mom’s greatest dreams, turned into reality, when she took the whole family to the Riviera Maya for Christmas in 2008. This was one of her happiest and proudest moments that she treasured and held close to her heart till the end. Mom and Dad were both honored to be able to travel to the Dominican and Riviera Maya for Kyle and Brady’s weddings. Being with family and friends and watching your grandson’s get married in a tropical paradise, what more could you ask for! Mom held special memories of each and every trip she got to go on whether it be near or far, she was grateful for each and every one.
In the fall of 2015, Mom & Dad, made the tough decision to leave the farm and on October 28th they moved into Hearthstone Place. Mom embraced the move, and the two of them settled in nicely. Mom was happy not to have the long drive to town, and the stress of the yard work was gone. The cleaning was done, and now she had the choice of cooking meals or going down to the dining room and being served. With no dishes to do, they instead got to enjoy the company of friends, new and old. In the beginning, suppers for mom and dad at the Hearthstone became part of their routine, and we all knew you didn’t mess with their early supper! Mom always looked forward to her family and friends visiting, who were always welcomed with open arms. Nothing brightened her day more than someone popping in to say hi, didn’t matter if it was 5 minutes or 5 hours, she was just happy you stopped. She always looked forward to Halloween as she was guaranteed some spooky little visitors! I don’t think Brenda and her girls missed one Halloween! Mom loved her ginormous sized iPad, where she checked the weather daily, kept up on her sport scores especially them Oilers, and followed the chuckwagon standings. She used it to play a few games, but most of all, loved all the pictures we shared with her. She spent hours on her iPad, even the last few weeks in the hospital, you could find mom with her magnifying glass, going through all the pictures.
The last few years were not the easiest for Mom and Dad, both with failing health. Dad moved to Pioneer House in June of 2023 which separated the two of them after 62 years of marriage. Anyone who knows how stubborn dad could be, would understand to our surprise when he settled nicely into his new home. Mom took solace in dad being content, well looked after and as happy as he can be. Every visit she would place her walker beside dad’s chair and they would hold hands and visit or just sit in silence and enjoy each other’s company. In December of 2023 after dad’s move, mom moved to a smaller suite in the Hearthstone on the 1st floor where she resided until her last hospital visit. With failing eyesight and health, mom took on everyday the best she could. We had ups and downs, good days and bad, but just like her entire life, friends and family always lifted her spirits! Mom was blessed to have Elaine Kent by her side over the last few years, Elaine became like a second daughter to her. They shared dinner dates, shopping trips, drives, visits with dad…whatever mom wanted, Elaine would make it happen. Mom was also lucky to have Connie and Shelby by her side. If one of us couldn’t be there, they were always there with a smile. Know that your love and compassion was greatly appreciated. After the last few years, mom always said, “live your life now, don’t wait for the Golden Year’s, as they aren’t very golden!” That might not have been her exact quote, but if you knew her you can fill in the blanks.
It’s hard to say goodbye to such an amazing woman. Today, this room is filled with those who she has positively impacted during her life. She taught us the importance of hard work, kindness and love, and reminded us to cherish those you consider family and make the most of each moment. We will miss your comforting hugs and unwavering support, but we know that your love will continue to guide us, as we have now all gained a guardian angel. Love you forever and always.
Card of Thanks
The family would like to send thanks to the third floor doctors and nursing staff of the Lloydminster Hospital for the kindness and care mom received. Thank you to Alison Weaver for your compassion and comforting words. A special thanks to Brady & Kendra for reading the eulogy, grandma would be so proud. Thank you to Glen McCaw and staff for your compassion and professional help with the service. Thank you to family and friends for your support with visits, food, cards, phone calls and donations. Most of all, thanks for being a part of mom’s life.
Kevin, Lisa & family
Lennie, Donalda & family
Heather, Rob & family
