Ruth Ann Jackley

Ruth Ann Jackley passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Bluff Haven in Prairie du Chien. She was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin on October 9, 1932. Her parents were Kenneth Lawson and Opal (Pulham) Lawson. Ruth attended school in Bagley, Wisconsin and graduated as salutatorian of her class in 1950. She then attended school in La Crosse taking a business course at Western Wisconsin Technical College. She worked as a secretary at National Decorated Metal Company in Prairie du Chien prior to her marriage to John (Jack) Geisler. They lived in Richland Center and were the parents of four children. After her husband's death, Ruth and her family moved back to Prairie du Chien. She worked at the Crawford County Sheriff's Office, both full-time and then part-time, for many years. She worked for four different sheriffs during her time with the county. Ruth married Paul P. Jackley on December 3, 1975, and they later moved to Bagley for retirement. Ruth and Paul spent part of each winter in the south and also enjoyed traveling, with her favorite trip being their cruise to Alaska. She enjoyed playing bridge with her Tuesday Bridge Club. Ruth served as treasurer of Zion Lutheran Church in Bagley for many years. She also belonged to the Royal Neighbors of America and was a past treasurer. She loved animals and they always had a dog or cat around that needed a home. Paul preceded her in death on September 4, 2016. She is survived by her children, Kris (Jerry) Smith of Richland Center, David Geisler of Fort Collins, Colorado, Paul (Shawn Thomas) Geisler of Palm Bay, Florida and Karen Geisler of Bagley; and her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is further survived by her stepchildren, Jean Blake of Prairie du Chien, and Leatha Jackley of Bagley, and step grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, stepson Forest Jackley, and her step grandchild.
A graveside service will be Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 11 AM in the Bagley Cemetery in Bagley, WI. Ruth's family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the staff at Prairie Maison and Bluff Haven for their exceptional care. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Bluff Haven or Crossing Rivers Hospice, both in Prairie du Chien.