Laenda Sue Jackson

Laenda Sue Jackson danced and sang her way into heaven on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 because it just wasn’t in her to walk in quietly. All are welcome to come honor Laenda on August, 10th , 1-5 PM in Garwin at the Old Grocery Store, east of the Garwin Park. This is a casual, come and go gathering, to visit with friends and family as we remember all the wild antics of Laenda. She shined bright, so please no funeral attire.

Laenda Sue Jackson was born on January 17th, 1984 and the world was changed forever. She was born to Lavern and Connie Jackson of Garwin, IA. She joined 3 sisters at home, Larae, Laura and Lana, who then all became known as the infamous, “Jackson Girls”. This may have been because no one could remember which “L” name went with which girl. Later, they gained a brother, Justin, and sister, Laura E, who completed the family. Laenda was affectionately referred to as Buddy Sue by her family, which ironically has the initials B.S. - coincidence??

Laenda was raised on the family farm outside of Garwin and attended Green Mountain Garwin School, graduating in 2002 with one of the greatest group of classmate friends to come out of that school. She cherished those closely knitted friendships.

She was blessed with 3 beautiful girls who she loved deeply - Emma Kay, Codi Grace and Adeline Jean. They are her greatest gifts, and each one holds a piece of her personality. She wanted nothing more than her greatest legacy to be her girls.

Laenda asked us not to write that she was some good samaritan or make up a bunch of bullshit that she was not. So, we won’t. We will tell you that Laenda was one of a kind. She touched so many people’s lives, never knew a stranger, and was a friend to wandering souls. She was a ray of sunshine, brave, extra, goofy, positive, stubborn, creative, sassy, determined, courageous, someone who had no lack of words, optimistic, unstoppable, a cheerleader for all, and a fiercely loyal friend. She enjoyed seeing and experiencing new things, thrifting, dancing a little jig at any moment, did we mention being extra?

Buddy Sue loved her family and family time together. She was Aunt Bud to her nieces and nephews. She loved music and loved to sing. Her angelic voice could belt out any song, sometimes it may be mid-sentence, no matter where she was, but her voice would ring like the smooth tone of a perfectly pitched bell. She was a natural beauty, bright shining eyes and a gorgeous, mischievous smile. She was a fighter. For many people, she was the “Strongest person I know”. That is undeniable.

While this is heartbreaking, it is also a victory of no more. No more enduring. No more fighting. No more having to be the strong one. No more putting on a brave face for the rest of us and smiling through the pain.

The family left to celebrate a life well lived are her parents, Lavern and Connie Jackson.

Her amazing children, Emma Kay and Kale Hasselmann, Codi Grace, and Adeline Jean. Siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews: 

Larae and Lenny Edens, Jackson, Bryce and Alivia

Laura and Adam Daniel, Abram and Vaughn

Lana and Nathan Kupka, Claire, Cole and Charlee Rose

Justin and Maria Graves, Noah and Beya

Laura and Ryan Bru, Lilly and Jay

If we listed the many close family and friends that she loved, we would have to list them in long chapters – loving Aunts and Uncles, the most fabulous cousins, lifelong school friends, handpicked friends gained in adulthood, coworkers that turned into family, community friends, church family, all the wonderful health professionals along the way and so many more. Please know that she loved each and every one of you.

The gates of heaven burst open as she arrived. Among the first to hug her tightly were grandparents, Ralph and Ethel Jackson, Merrl Ratliff, and Carson Ratliff; Uncles Kurt and Tom Ratliff; family friend turned grandmother, Jean Hurlbut; as well as many other family and friends. She’s getting the party started for us.

The world feels a little lesser without this beautiful, raw soul, so it’s our job to continue to create the light. Go live this one amazing life we are given. Go do the extra ordinary, the silly, the weird and all the crazy, fun things. Spread positivity and joy. Be kind and be a friend to all. Enjoy life to its absolute fullest. Sing loud and proud. Don’t rush life, live for the now. Always tell yourself, “I got this.” Always make sure each day is “spectacular”. And… if you want ice cream, eat the damn ice cream. We love you, Buddy Sue. Forever and ever, Amen.

“Yes, my life, it’s better left to chance. I could have missed the pain, but I’d have to miss The Dance”

~ Garth Brooks

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed towards the family, or Venmo @Laenda-Jackson, to help support her children.