Jacquelyn Virginia Settlage

Jacquelyn Virginia Settlage, 91, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away peacefully with family by her side on October 29th, 2025. Born on September 10th, 1935 in Flushing, New York. Jackie lived a full and active life marked by her dedication to education, family and community.

On June 12th, 1959, she married John Settlage, Sr., and together they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2019. Jacking and John shared many memorable adventures throughout their life together. They raised their four children in Kirksville, Missouri, and they family spent an exciting nine month living in Australia. The couple traveled in the world- journeying form South America to Iceland and nearly everywhere in between-collection experiences and friendships that enriched their lives.

Jackie earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from the University of Florida in Gainesville, where she developed a lifelong passion for learning and teaching. She was the first teacher at the Kirksville Lutheran School and later taught at Blankner Elementary School District, serving at several grade levels and in a variety of positions. She touched the lives of countless student’s and one of her greatest joys in later years was when a former student would approach her to share fond memories of her classroom and the lessons they carried with them through life.

Jackie gave generously of her time and energy to many organizations in Kirksville and beyond, including the Pantry for Adair County, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Daughters of the American Revolution, Master Gardeners, Earthwatch, Truman State South University, League of Women Voters, Women’s Shelter, Red Cross, National Public Radio, Area Agency on Aging, Sojourners Club, National Education Association, and the Welcome Wagon.

Throughout her long life, Jackie embraced each day with passion and purpose. She found deep joy in all aspects of nature. Her Intelligence, compassion, and unwavering commitment to family, education, and community service will continue to inspire generations to come.

Jackie is survived by her four children: John Henry Settlage, Jr., Laura Virginia Settlage, William Lee Settlage, and Susan Rebecca Hoexter; nine grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.

To honor Jackie’s commitment to the needs of others, please send memorials to the Pantry for Adair County, 2012 South Haliburton St, Kirksville, MO 63501