Fleta S. Gacki

Fleta Isabell Stone Gacki, 96, of Jacksonville Florida, formerly of East Lansing, Michigan, has passed away on May 15, 2024. Fleta was born on November 25, 1927 to Harold and Gladys (Isbell) Stone in Bay, Arkansas.

She grew up on the family farm in Bay chopping cotton and doing other chores. She graduated valedictorian of her high school class in 1945. She graduated from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas in 1948 with a degree in home economics. Fleta moved to East Lansing, Michigan in 1954 and worked at the Michigan State University Science Library for 34 years. It was a job that she thoroughly enjoyed. She moved to Jacksonville in 2016 to be closer to her daughter.

Fleta married Peter Gacki on August 12, 1966. They shared 42 wonderful years together. They enjoyed traveling across the United States and Europe visiting family and attending Peter’s army reunions. Fleta loved music, especially listening to and attending operas and symphony performances. She enjoyed reading, sewing, singing and playing the piano. She also enjoyed gardening and walking. She was very interested in politics and rarely missed the news or any political commentary program. After Peter retired they were often spotted walking hand in hand to the library where she worked. She and Peter volunteered with respite care after her retirement providing support for caregivers.

Fleta was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who was cherished by her family and she will be sorely missed.

Fleta is survived by her daughters Ann (Jerry) Ruby of Jacksonville, Florida and Patty (Rick) Kobasic of Escanaba, Michigan. Grandchildren include Jeff, Chris and Beth Ruby; Nathan and Andrew Kobasic; Jennifer Flickinger and Sean Gacki. Great grandchildren include Robyn, Ryan, Ashley, Ally, Skylar, Journey, Natalie, Garrett, Aidan, Brianna, Nohlyn, Haylee, Riley and Brady. Great great grandchildren include Josh and Sophie. She had many nieces and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Bill, Evalyn, and Margie and their respective spouses, Avanell, Orbra Roberts and Norman Smith, husband Peter, nieces Debbie and Beth, stepson Roger Gacki and a great grandson Mason Kobasic.

A Committal Service for Fleta and Peter Gacki will be held Friday, June 7, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218.