Rose Ellen "Jackie" Strope

"Jackie" Rose Ellen Strope DEFOREST/MADISON - On May 28, Jackie died peacefully at home and Jesus accompanied her to Heaven. "Jackie" was born in Perry County, Kentucky on April 17, 1926. She married "Jim" James F. Strope on April 23,1948. During their 62 years of marriage they had 5 daughters: Jonnie Ross, Deborah (Joyce) Marino (Lou), Regan Peters (Mike) Holly Strope (partner /Lisa Peterson) and Marti Skorupski (Steve)....6 grandchildren: Brian Joyce, Jaclyn Fallin (Joshua), Kate Lavin (Sean), Brandon Lea and Dominick Marino and Joel Marino and ...2 great grand children; Olivia and Conner Lavin. She is survived by her sisters, Beaulah and Rufena. Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Nevada and John Fugate, brothers, Delbert and Hank, sister, Beatrice, son-in-law, John Ross and grandson, Joel Marino. Jackie (Mom) and Jim (Dad) often said they felt lucky to have a loving family and wonderful friends to laugh with and share in the good times. Mom was quick to hug us, say "I love you," listen to our troubles, and support our goals (if she agreed with them) while teaching us the importance of family and commitment. Mom enjoyed visiting, shopping, singing, dancing, boating, watching movies, snow skiing laughing, being sassy, traveling, eating dessert, drinking coffee, talking for hours on the telephone and taking long drives with Dad in the car, She had a definite weakness for designer shoes and purses, dangling earrings, and colorful clothes. Additionally, she was a fantastic story teller detailing her childhood and young adult life in the hills of Eastern Kentucky. Her stories always made us laugh! She had a great sense of humor. Mom was a people watcher and often did so when she was at the beach in Fort Myers, Florida, She relished that time....she loved to kick back, listen to music, watch sports, talk to perfect strangers, laugh and have a "Big Time". Mom, we'll miss eating your fabulous biscuits, sausage gravy, fried apples and banana pudding. We love you forever....... We leave you in Good Hands. In lieu of a visitation and/or funeral service, a Celebration of Life will be held this fall. Donations to the Wisconsin Hospice Association and/or the UW Hospital/Comprehensive Cancer Treatment Center are welcome.