Jackie Lu Rooks

Born May 21, 1943 at Sacred Heart Hospital to Walter D. and Edna D. Schambron, Jackie was brought home to Plaza, WA, and lived her earliest years on a farm in Rockford, WA. She moved to Spokane at age 5, attending kindergarten at Lincoln Elementary, completed at Grant Elementary as well as Lewis and Clark High School.

On August 4, 1961 she joined the U.S. Navy, and often said it was one of the best decisions of her life. Her first tour of duty was located at Naval Air Station Anacostia, where she began working in administration and then operations. Naval Air Station Anacostia was closed, and she was moved to the Naval Air Facility at Andrews Air Force Base, where she was one of three WAVES chosen to fly as an orderly (flight attendant) on VIP flights. This adventure took her to two ship christenings and many places in the U.S. After three wonderful years, she was honorably discharged and returned to Spokane.

In February 1966, Jackie married the father of her two children. The marriage lasted 13 years, during which time she was able to attend Spokane Falls Community College, along with working and raising a family.

In 1981 she met the true love, partner and friend of her life, Robert L. Rooks. Together they blended a family of 6 children. During their 30-year marriage, they traveled, found a shared passion for property development, and enjoyed hosting many holiday dinners and parties at their home for friends and family.

Jackie’s career development started at Andre Romberg Insurance Agency, followed by Unigard Insurance Group in Seattle and Spokane, Lacey & Conyard Adjusters, U.S. Bank, Dominican Sisters of Spokane, and ended with the Spokane Regional Health District. Her career was most fully developed in her many years at U.S. Bank (formerly, Old National Bank).

Jackie found enjoyment in being a mother and home-maker, but she had an adventurous side, too. She could cook and bake with expert skill, crochet and decorate beautifully on a budget, but she also loved to go cross country and downhill skiing, hunt, fish and go whitewater rafting. While her hobbies were fun for her, it was bragging about her family’s achievements that made her smile.

After a life full of family, love, challenges and hope, Jackie passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on September 20, 2016 after more than 15 years of battling breast cancer. She is survived by her husband Robert L. Rooks; children: Timothy T. McAvoy, Kelley A. and Tom Sehman, Jeffrey and Lori Rooks, Michael and Marilee Rooks, Kathryn A. and Dan Thrawley; brother Andrew L. and Shirley Ferrera; as well as 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She was a devoted wife, a distinguished employee, a faithful friend and fiercely loving mother. She was remarkable and she will be missed.

There will be a funeral service at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3606 Schaffer Road, Spokane Valley WA at 11am September30, 2016. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be made to the Spokane Guild School or Spokane Mental Health.

Arrangements under the direction of Hazen & Jaeger Valley Funeral Home-Pines, Spokane, WA.