Ilda Irene Jackson
April 13, 1926 - March 11, 2012
Obituary
Ilda Irene (Davis) Jackson (Toni) passed peacefully March 11, 2012 at 86 years of age. She was born April 13, 1926 in Wapato Washington. She was the first of two children (Ilda and Annette) born to Opal Geneva Goodwin and Loyd Fred Davis.
In 1942, she married Martin Eugene Watkins at the age of 16. They had three children, Joyce, Jeanne and Timothy. Their marriage was short and eventually they ended in divorce.
In 1949, she later remarried Hugh Harvey Rounds. They had one child named Nancy Rounds. They quickly divorced.
Ilda came from a family with fast hands, winning apple packing contests in Yakima. She obtained work at a brown bag paper company making men’s wages using heavy machinery, but found her occupation of choice when she became a waitress at Woolworths. Eventually, she became a short order cook, hence her loud call out voice, but ultimately became the manager.
In 1950, Ilda met a Merchant Marine named Charles Leo Jackson through friends while he was in Seattle on shore leave. They married in 1951. They had three children, Cynthia, Cheryl, and Charles the II. Ilda and Charles were married for 61 years.
Ilda had a strong sense of humor and was quick to laugh. She was gregarious and often the life of any get together, friends and family alike. She was very protective of her children and family. She loved telling jokes and spending time with her family and friends. She was a fierce competitor in playing cards, backgammon, checkers, dominos, etc. Her most favorite thing to do was to read. You could count on interrupting her with a good book. She was the best cook. Many people would call her if they needed information on how to prepare or cook anything. She was a great sounding board if you needed help to figure out life’s problems. You knew you were loved when it was done by her.
Ilda was preceded in death by her sister Annette Lindgren, her earlier children: Joyce Fearn, Jeanne Murrain, Timothy Watkins, Nancy Rounds and grandchildren Tracy Young and Chase Charles Parker. She was survived by her husband Charles Leo Jackson and their children: Cynthia Charlene Funk , Cheryl Renee Smith and Charles Leo Jackson II., Grandchildren: Amber Nicole Funk, Fortune Tyler Owens, Elijah Edward Smith, Justin Charles Jackson, Kahlani Cheri Jackson, Dallas Corey Jackson, Sherry Colleen Werth, Gene Harvey Fearn, and Carla Jean Smith. Great Grandchildren: Logan Nicole Jackson, Christopher Thaddeus Werth, James Zacherl Werth, Jacob Daniel Rey Fearn, Austin Young and Michael John Dow.
Ilda will be laid to rest at Bonney Watson Washington Memorial in SeaTac, WA.
Thank you Mom for always being the force of wisdom in my life. For always having the appropriate answer for all of my questions. For making me feel safe in this big world. You are and always will be my closest and best friend. Love you and miss you mostest.