Jeanette Gaslin

Jeannette (Jeanie) Willoughby Gaslin, age 73, passed away peacefully at her Goshen home on September 24, 2025, surrounded by her husband and fur babies. Jeanie was born on September 25, 1951 in Hardinsburg, Kentucky, the youngest of two daughters.

Jeanie's life journey started in Breckinridge County before spending her youth in Jefferson County. During her teen years, Jeanie helped build a home on the family property in Breckinridge County, known as the "woods house." Jeanie graduated from Valley High School in 1969 and briefly attended Western Kentucky University. Jeanie returned home and became a licensed cosmetologist. Her natural beauty and cosmetology skills eventually led her to modeling. During this time, Jeanie met and married Ernest Gaslin in 1973, exchanging vows in the "woods house." Two years later, they welcomed their only child, Derik, into the world.

Throughout her life, Jeanie had many passions and talents. She loved books and was an avid reader, with an interest in fantasy fiction. Her love of books led her to read more than 1,000 books over her lifetime. Jeanie also enjoyed cooking, spending time with her son creating dishes without recipes. Jeanie loved bread and started making her own sourdough bread. Eventually, she used her culinary skills to create a special bread for Derik, affectionately called the "Captain Jack Sparrow" bread. She also enjoyed sewing and knitting. Jeanie was known to help her mother create quilts and sew her own clothing. She used her knitting talents to create throws and sweaters for herself and her family. Jeanie also loved her dogs, loving and spoiling many four-legged children throughout her life.

Jeanie's greatest love was her family. She was married to Ernie for 52 years, sharing many adventures. She was supportive, encouraging, and attentive to both Ernie and Derik. When Derik was young, Jeanie introduced him to various musical genres and to video games, both activities they shared frequently.

While Derik was her only child, Jeanie was a mom to many. She served as a teacher's aide in special needs classes in Jefferson County schools. During this time, she was also a cheer coach to youth. After her family moved to Goshen, Jeanie welcomed Derik's friends and neighborhood kids into her home, becoming known as the "coke and kool-aid" mom. When Derik decided to join the North Oldham Fire Department, Jeanie went through the recruit class after her first cancer-related surgery to serve her community with her son. She also went through the EMT class, obtaining her certification as well. Her determination to succeed and supportive nature made her the department mom to the young members.

Jeanie enjoyed people and easily made lasting friendships. Described as a shining light, she made friends wherever she went. Through her three decades as a Mary Kay Consultant, Jeanie developed strong bonds with countless individuals. Jeanie loved to encourage others and was awarded a red jacket for being a Star Team Builder.

Throughout her decades long cancer battle, Jeanie was a warrior. She endured many treatments and surgeries over the years and never gave up. During her cancer battle, she encouraged others to fight the disease and stay positive. She combined her knitting skills with her positive outlook to knit caps for women going through cancer treatment. During her hospital stays in the last months of her life, she connected with her care team through her smile and kindness. Jeannie lived a full life leaving an immeasurable impact on countless individuals.

Jeanie is survived by her husband of 52 years, Ernest Gaslin, and her son, Derik Gaslin (Angela Roberts) of Shelbyville. She was preceded in death by her mother, Jewell Butler Willoughby, and her sister, Jan Haynes.

Jeanie chose to be cremated and will be interred with her family at Cave Springs Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the WHAS Crusade for Children in Jeanie's memory.