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 11:00 am, 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 – details to follow.

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 mouth-watering home-cooked meals – and her “free honesty.”

In addition to her love of friends and family, Sheila will be fondly remembered for her sassiness, her persistent and unwavering opinions, and her immense love of her cats (especially Miss Kitty). 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 a particular affinity for cats, and the occasional dog. 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 and Sonny Jacobs, and sisters Earlene (Bill) Phillips and Diane (Bob) McGonagle. 

Sheila is survived by her daughter, Crystal (Jeff) Waters, son, Roger Fickel (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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