Jacqueline Ann RoBear Bice, age 76, passed from us on January 30, 2023 suffering from hemorrhagic stroke. She was born in Pittsburgh on July 17, 1946.
Jackie graduated from St. John the Baptist High School in Pittsburgh in 1964. She later attended Allegheny County Community College.
On September 3rd of 1983 she married Charles Bice in Faith United Church of Christ in State College, PA.
Jackie is survived and beloved by her husband Charles, her daughter Adrienne Anderson (Matt) of Sarver, her son James Metsger (Robin) of Cabot, and her sister Ann Guerske (Ronald) of Pittsburgh. Also, by grandson Angelo Natili, granddaughter Journey Metsger, granddaughter Skylar Burkett, step-grandson Parker Anderson, and step-granddaughter Lily Anderson.
Jackie was preceded in passing by her mother Magdalena (Madeline) RoBear, by her brother Richard RoBear (Mary Ann), and by her stepfather Robert O. Wenrich.
Jackie was devout in her faith and, as a member of the Saxonburg St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, she served as directing member of the Altar Guild. We are certain that in her passing she has been so warmly embraced by her Creator and her Lord Jesus.
Jackie supported the community through her membership in the Saxonburg Area Woman’s Club GFWC. She served repeatedly in the several offices and did serve as president on a number of occasions. She had also served as president of the Butler County association of GFWC chapters. At the state level, Jackie served twice to organize and conduct the PA State Convention for the new state president, making all arrangements with the hotels and coordinating volunteers from the various local clubs.
Jackie enjoyed life on her farmette, “Henny Penny Acres”, located in Clinton Township of Butler County. Companions at one time included a burro and two goats. Companions regularly included her flocks of Rhode Island Red hens, which she so enjoyed watching run across the yard when she would call them in for a special snack. She also throughout the years enjoyed, and treated so well, pet cats and pups. She was a talented preserver of garden goods, canning sweet potatoes, corn relish, stewed tomatoes, applesauce, green beans, sauerkraut, and various jams and jellies, all of which were enjoyed by family and friends. Of course, she was famous for her “Jackie’s Three-Second Hot Pepper Mustard” which she produced for sale by the Woman’s Club at their fundraisers.
MumMum to her family, Jackie poured out immense love to all. She was a grand chef and delighted in large family gatherings with dinner set at a table which had been superbly arranged.
Jackie enjoyed discussions of antiques, being a member and president of Saxonburg’s John Roebling Chapter of Questers, an organization dedicated to preservation and restoration of things from the past. She was also regularly invited to participate in the activities of the Kittanning Chapter of this organization.
Jackie enjoyed her collection of antique oil lamps and, when the power might go out, was delighted in the warm glow of several of them as she resumed her activities. This interest caused her to become a member of The Rushlight Club, an organization interested in the development and use of early lighting devices and lighting fuels.
Jackie was a loyal supporter of Butler’s Maridon Museum of Asian art, serving on its Board of Directors and as a docent and as a much-involved member of the Events Committee. She also was a supporter of the Saxonburg Museum serving as a docent and coordinator of docents.
This lady enjoyed life to the fullest and assisted all around her in that same pursuit. Wherever she went and in whatever activity involved, she developed the dearest of friendships….and quite often strongly assisted in bringing order to things (maybe Heaven can do with a little of her tidying up). When her children were of that age, she was a strong supporter of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and school extracurricular activities. Spanning two generations, many have claimed Jackie as their “second mom”. Where Jackie would be, warmth blossomed. She will be so dearly missed by all.
Friends will be received on Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 2-4& 6-8 pm at the Fox Funeral Home, Inc., 410 W. Main Street, Saxonburg.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023 at 1 pm at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Saxonburg with Rev. Mike Galica officiating.
Interment will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Martinsburg, PA.
In lieu of flowers please consider a nominal gift to the Maridon Museum, or the Saxonburg Museum, or to a favored charity of your choice.