Linda Lou Sanders Jacks

Minnesota. Linda’s life was defined by hard work, dedication, and an unshakable pursuit of excellence. More than anything, she cared about nursing and education — not as professions, but as callings. She devoted her life to both, often placing them above herself, believing that the best way to serve others was through knowledge, skill, and unwavering commitment.

She earned both her Master’s and Ph.D. in Nursing, and went on to serve as a critical care nurse and later as a professor of nursing, mentoring generations of healthcare professionals. Linda’s students and colleagues remember her not only for her brilliance, but for her exacting standards, compassion, and humor — the rare combination of intellect and heart that made her unforgettable. Her devotion to her work reflected her belief that learning and care were the foundations of a meaningful life. She promoted both tirelessly — in the classroom, at the bedside, and in every conversation with those she mentored.

Linda’s journey took her across the country — from her Minnesota roots to Ohio and Kansas, then to California before finally settling in Fallon, Nevada, in 1984. Fallon became her home for nearly four decades, a place filled with meaningful work, dear friends, and lasting memories. In 2023, she moved to Carson City to be closer to family as her health began to slow, though her mind, wit, and sense of purpose never did.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Marshall Lee Jacks, who passed away on December 8, 1999. She will be cremated and laid to rest beside him in Fallon, Nevada, reunited with the love of her life after a lifetime of service, laughter, and love. She leaves behind a loving family and many dear friends who will forever cherish her wisdom, humor, and example.

Her legacy endures in every nurse she trained, every student she inspired, and every life made better by her care.