Jacquelyn Yvonne (Stephens) Wolf

Jacquelyn Yvonne (Stephens) Wolf, 9/6/1939-6/24/2023

June 24th, 2023, at 7:19 pm, Jacquelyn Yvonne Wolf (Stephens), 83, passed away peacefully at Aperion nursing home, in St. Elmo, Illinois. Her daughter, niece and nephew had been near her bedside prior to her final moments. She was the youngest of three, born in Crenshaw Crossing, Illinois on September 6th, 1939, and spent much of her childhood and early adult years in St. Elmo, Illinois. She married Wayne E. Wolf, (deceased) in 1974. The couple moved to Mahomet, Illinois and had their first and only child, Kim (Wolf) Ray, in 1976. 

Jackie was a homemaker and was very active in her church, New Beginnings Lutheran Church of Mahomet, Illinois. Her faith was important to her, and she served in her church in a plethora of ways from greeting, helping in the kitchen, attending sewing circle, bible study groups and she never missed a Sunday morning service. Her daughter would like to express to her church family a sincere and heartful thank you for all the times the church members assisted Jackie with rides to doctor appointments and stopping by to check in on her. While the horrible effects of the dementia robbed us all more time with her, as her daughter, I will never be able to truly convey how appreciative I am she had her church family by her side. She was very proud of her church and often would share updates on each of the members and their families with her daughter. She felt at home within the walls of New Beginnings in a way that held a special place in her heart and for that her daughter extends a thank you to the church community. 

Jackie and her husband spent many years in a camping club, Cham-Co Sams. They traveled extensively in their Yellowstone camper and one summer spent time in Canada. Her other interests included watching sports such as baseball and football games, British TV comedies and game shows on TV. She was often a living room contestant on Jeopardy and would have won millions had she been an in-person contestant. 

The most meaningful moments of her life were spent with family. She was as beloved sister, aunt, cousin, wife, in-law and grandmother, but to one person she was mother. The experience of being an only child is unique in many ways but specifically in the singular role of having been the only person to ever call her mom. As her only child I had the privilege to have my mother present at the birth of each of my three children and the look of joy on her face as she greeted them will always be a precious memory. Her grandchildren were the focus on her retirement years. Recently her three grandchildren were reflecting on their shared memories and they each remarked on her love of game shows and yelling at the contestants the correct answers. 

One of the many memories of my mother I want to highlight is her enjoyment of reading. I can vividly picture her going to the library and reading the newspaper cover to cover as well as magazines and books. She read many religious books to learn more about her faith. I am comforted in my grief to know she is now with the man she spent so much time reading about and talking to, her Savior, Jesus. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local library. 

Precious Family Who Went Before

Jackie was predeceased in death by her father, William Orville, mother, Della and oldest sister, Oretha. As well as her husband, Wayne.

Precious Family She Left Behind

She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly (Wolf) Ray, son-in-law, Travis Ray and grandchildren, Tristan Ray, Lawson Ray and Tessa Ray. Our hearts are heavy she was not able to meet her future grandson in-law, Mikhail O’Bannon, finance to Tessa Ray. The wedding is set for summer of 2024, and she will be with us in spirit. She is also survived by her great-grandson, Harrison Ray, age 4. 

As mentioned, she was the youngest of three and leaves behind her sister, Pat Hamilton. 

I would be remiss if I did not mention she was a cherished aunt to many and she will be dearly missed by each of them. 

Lutheran Prayer Service

New Beginnings Lutheran Church, 304 E. Dunbar St., Mahomet, Il., Friday, July 7th, at 11 am, will host a brief service of prayer in memory of Jackie. Her cremation is handled by Kruger Coan Pape Funeral Home & Crematory in Danville, Illinois. Her daughter would also like to express gratitude to the funeral home and specifically Jen Kruger as she is an exemplary kind and professional funeral home director. 

Final Thoughts

Everyone who interacted with my mother always walked away saying, she is a sweetheart. The staff at the nursing home where she passed entered her room moments after her death and let me know she will be missed even though she was only there for a couple months. She made an impact with her kindness and gentleness. As her only child I ask that all who read these words also look for ways to extend kindness. While kindness may appear simplistic and momentary the impact lasts much longer and can outlive us all. 

Jackie suffered from the devastating effects of diabetes and dementia but now her body and mind have been set free. She is no longer in pain and can enjoy her long walk with Jesus. Let me say, one last time, good-bye mom. 

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