Jeanette Marie Ziegler

Jeanette Marie Ziegler, 84, of Arlington, Texas, passed away surrounded by her daughters at home on June 19, 2025. She was born on November 12, 1940, in Devils Lake, North Dakota. Jeanette was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as cherished sister and friend.

Jeanette's early life was shaped in Devils Lake, North Dakota, where she was lovingly raised by her parents, Frank and Christine. She grew up in a bustling household with her seven siblings- Tiny, Toby, Ann, Frank, Betty, Jim, and Bonnie-all sharing a modest two-bedroom, one-bathroom home. Despite the close quarters, this upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for family and community. A bright student, Jeanette attended Catholic school, where she excelled as a cheerleader and graduated as Salutatorian.

A particularly cherished relationship in Jeanette's life was the lifelong bond she shared with her younger sister, Bonnie. Their connection was a constant source of joy and support, marked by frequent, hour-long conversations about family, politics, and the ups and downs of daily life. Their closeness was a treasured part of both their lives, offering comfort, laughter, and understanding through every season.

Jeanette married the love of her life, Larry Ziegler, on September 5, 1959, when she was just eighteen years old. In their early years together, Jeanette was a steadfast source of support as Larry pursued his Ph.D. and began his career in academia. Her dedication allowed him to focus on his studies and build the foundation for his successful career as a Professor of Economics at UTA. They shared 36 wonderful years of marriage before Larry's unexpected passing in 1996. Together, they created a beautiful life centered around faith, family, and friends. They and their children were avid fans at many UTA sporting events.

Their home was a hub for many dinner parties, card parties, and Christmas parties. They were very close to their parents and siblings and spent their summer vacations traveling to family reunions in North Dakota, Minnesota, and later, Arizona, nurturing their strong family ties. Jeanette and Larry shared a close-knit circle of friends who remained a strong source of love and support. The Elks Lodge was a favorite gathering place, where Jeanette loved to dance with Larry-especially the jitterbug to "Proud Mary."

A woman of strong faith and joyful spirit, Jeanette was a longtime member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, where she was actively involved in the Women's Guild and the Church Choir. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her through all seasons.

Jeanette faced life's challenges with remarkable strength and an enduringly positive outlook. After Larry's passing, when she was just 55 years old, she navigated grief with grace and resilience. Her perseverance shone brightly as she bravely fought and overcame breast cancer at age 62 and later, endometrial cancer at age 77. Through every trial, she remained joyful and grateful for the blessings God had given her, a true testament to her trust in God and courageous spirit.

In her professional life, Jeanette spent numerous years working in retail at Sanger-Harris, where she honed her excellent shopping skills, which she lovingly imparted to her daughters. She also found immense joy working as a teaching assistant in Arlington ISD, assisting students with special needs.

Jeanette enjoyed spending time with her large family, and she had a deep love for her grandchildren, always supporting them in their sporting events and life pursuits. She loved Christmas and was known for her festive decorations and fun Christmas Eve celebrations at "Grandma's" with the whole family. She will be remembered for her cheerful spirit, her unwavering faith, her deep love for her family, and the warmth and joy she brought to every gathering. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Jeanette is survived by her daughters: Kristi Otto and her husband, John; Kathy Grasty and her husband, Mickey; and Karen Abbott and her husband, Bob. She is also survived by her sister, Bonnie Woodward; her brothers-in-law: Leo Johnson, Earl Ziegler, and Ken Ziegler and his wife Mona; and her sister-in-law, Janis Burckhard. Additionally, she is survived by her ten grandchildren: Tyler Otto and his wife Melissa, Ashley McIntosh and her husband Dustin, Lauren Rao and her husband Mike, Reghan Carlgren and her husband Brian, Preston Grasty and his wife Erin, Kendall Turner and her husband Max, Lawrence Lazenby and his wife Connor, Kamrin Lazenby, Brian Abbott, and Bailey Abbott. Jeanette also leaves behind her thirteen great-grandchildren: Jacob Guzman, Rylin Otto, John Otto, Addison McIntosh, Kate McIntosh, Reese Rao, Remy Rao, Harper Carlgren, Hallie Carlgren, Jake Carlgren, Drew Carlgren, Lily Grasty, Maddy Grasty, and a grandbaby on the way.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry Ziegler; her sisters, Tiny, Toby, Ann, and Betty; and her brothers, Frank and Jim.

A Rosary will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Wade Funeral Home in Arlington, Texas, followed by Visitation from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St.Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with a reception to follow. Graveside services will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Moore Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Catholic Charities.