Jacquelyn Virginia Settlage

Jacquelyn Virginia Settlage, 91, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away peacefully with family by her side on October 29, 2025. Born on September 10, 1934, 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. Jackie 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  the world- journeying from South America to Iceland and nearly everywhere in between-collecting experiences and friendships that enriched their lives.

Jackie earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education, where she developed a lifelong passion for learning and teaching. She was the first teacher at the Kirksville Lutheran School and later taught at Kirksville R-III schools, serving at several grade levels and in a variety of positions. She touched the lives of countless students and one of her greatest joys in later years was when a former student would approach her to share 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 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.

At the longtime with of Mom and Dad, the family will celebrate their life in the spring, releasing their ashes together to the sea.

" You, Little Traveler! You made the journey, the Long Journey.  You now know the things I have yet to know."    -Holling Clancy Holling, Paddle-to-the Sea.

No services are planned.

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