Sheila Jacobs

Sheila Jacobs, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025 at Evergreen Community of Johnson County. 

Memorial service will be held at 11:00am Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Dengel & Son Mortuary – Louisburg Chapel, 1 Aquatic Drive, Louisburg, Kansas 66053. A celebration of life will immediately follow the service from 12:00-2:00pm, at Town Square Events, 15 W Wea Street, Paola, Kansas 66071.

Born on January 3, 1943, in Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of George and Eva (Strom) Jacobs, Sheila's journey through life was characterized by her vocal and feisty spirit; love of family, friends, and animals; and a penchant for sweets.

After graduating from Louisburg High School with the class of 1961, Sheila embarked on a diverse career path that showcased her entrepreneurial spirit. She began her career as a hairdresser and later took on the role of a food buyer for Safeway. While at Safeway, she owned and operated a laundromat in Paola, Kansas. She then owned the Grain Valley Liquor Store in Grain Valley, Missouri; and later Pickles Diner in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, where she became well-known for her home-cooked meals – and her “free honesty.”

In addition to her love of family and friends, Sheila will be fondly remembered for her sassiness, her persistent and unwavering opinions, and her immense love of candy. She reveled in making memorable family dishes that will forever be etched in the hearts of her loved ones. She was especially famous for her thin pancakes, crispy chocolate chip cookies, crazy cake, and all breakfast foods. Her family continues to use her recipes.

In addition to her culinary talents, Sheila was an avid animal lover, with an affinity for cats (especially Miss Kitty), the occasional dog, and a particular possum visitor named Derby. Her playful spirit came alive through her love for pranks, and her iconic laugh filled the room as she played them.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, George and Eva Jacobs, as well as her brothers, George Jacobs II and Sonny Jacobs, and sisters Earlene (Bill) Phillips and Diane (Bob) McGonagle. 

Sheila is survived by her daughter, Crystal (Jeff) Waters, son, Roger Fickel Jr. (partner Jayne), grandchildren, Jacob (Shelby) Fickel and Lindsey (Bryan) Houk, great-grandchild, Silas Fickel, brother Jerry Jacobs, and sisters Jean (Bill) Gatlin and Midge (Rob) Towery.

Sheila would have adamantly requested no flowers. Instead, memorial contributions can be made payable to Always and Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, P.O. Box 669, Louisburg, Kansas 66053, or using the link below.

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