Obituary
Mary Helen (Jacobs) Jasper, 82, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 20, 2024, at her home in Ocala, Florida. Born on July 27, 1942, in Newkirk, Iowa, Mary was the youngest of seven children born to John and Jessie (Van Es) Jacobs. She grew up on the family farm near Orange City, Iowa, where she developed a deep sense of faith, family, and resilience.
Mary spent most of her life in Orange City, where she met her husband, Merlyn Ray Jasper. The two were married on October 27, 1962, and together they built a strong and loving family, raising four children and sharing a deep faith as long-time members of Dover Avenue Alliance Church.
A devoted wife and mother, Mary poured her heart into caring for her family. Once her youngest child started school, she pursued her dream of higher education, earning her degree in elementary education from Northwestern College in 1989. She dedicated many years to teaching, focusing on English as a Second Language and working with preschoolers.
In 1999, Mary and Merlyn moved to Cleveland, Ohio, to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They later retired to Florida in 2012, embracing the sunshine and community of Ocala.
In retirement, Mary’s vibrant spirit continued to shine. She enjoyed gardening, volunteering at church, and traveling with her family. She also developed a passion for writing, joining a class to journal her cherished memories and family stories. Mary’s energy, independence, and unwavering faith were evident in all she did, and her inspiring walk with Jesus Christ leaves a lasting legacy.
Mary is lovingly remembered by her four children: Taryl (Susan) Jasper, Troy (Kelly) Jasper, Jessica Roberts, and Erika (Jacob) Garber; her nine grandchildren: Eryn, Dayna, Conor Jasper; Angelo (Natalia) Jasper; Jaedra, Jaxon, and Jacobus Roberts; and Weston and Lena Garber; and her four great-grandchildren: Penelope, Julian, Annistyn, and Charlotte. She is also survived by her siblings, Judith (Gary) Engeltjes and Donald Jacobs, who will miss her dearly.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of nearly 55 years, Merlyn; and four siblings: Howard Jacobs, Kenneth Jacobs, Ruth Brandt, and Davis Jacobs.
A memorial service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, 1:00pm at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home, 11250 SW 93rd Ct., Ocala, Florida. Mary will be laid to rest at West Lawn Cemetery in Orange City, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Mary’s memory to Wycliffe Bible Translators (http://www.wycliffe.org). This organization reflects her lifelong commitment to faith and education and was the life passion of her brother Ken’s ministry.
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