Fern Irene Stiver

Fern Irene “Jackie” (Abbott) Stiver, 89, compassionately passed away on December 30, 2020 at the memory care unit in Evansville, Indiana. She was born April 13, 1931 in Warren County, Indiana to Coy and Mabel (Clannch) Abbott.

On August 18, 1950, Jackie was married to Phil R. Stiver in Elkhart, Indiana. She has two children, Phillip (Janice) Stiver of Evansville, IN and Deborah Martin of Aspen, CO. Surviving also are five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Marilyn Harding. Jackie was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Phil R. Stiver, on February 10, 2020.

Jackie graduated from Gilboa High School in 1949. She graduated from Elkhart Business School as a medical secretary working at Drakes Department Store selling watches and jewelry to pay for her schooling. She worked at Simpson Methodist Church as a secretary from 1955-1960. Jackie worked for the Indiana Employment Office for one year and in 1961 she became a Social Security Representative through 1965 and progressed to a field representative until 1975. Her most rewarding employment was working with the Elkhart County prosecutor’s office in a new initiative program entitled “Victim Assistance Program” (adult protective services) through the 1980’s. She would investigate allegations of senior adult abuse, reporting back to the prosecutor’s office with recommendations for remediation services or prosecution. She covered a three county area – Elkhart, Kosciusko and LeGrange. She loved the opportunity to help and assist the elderly in need.

Jackie obtained her private pilot’s license on August 3, 1983. She and her pilot husband flew many hours together in their Cessna 182.

Jackie resided in Elkhart, Indiana and Riverview, Florida with her husband until his death in February. Upon his death, years of dementia necessitated residence in the memory care unit at Hamilton Pointe in Evansville, IN near her son. Jackie’s sweet, loving and ever appreciative spirit uplifted staff and residents alike. Her love for the Lord was always and foremost and shown brightly for all to see. To live and love like Jesus until the end was her strength and comfort to all she met.

To reunite in heaven – what a day of rejoicing that will be.

A memorial graveside service will be scheduled in the spring after Covid restrictions are lifted.

Memorial contributions on behalf of Jackie Stiver should be donated to your local church.