Theda Irene Jackson, 90, of Copp Road in Niles, died at 4:35 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009 at Memorial Hospital, South Bend, following a brief illness.

She was born to Herbert and Anna Marie (Jensen) Ferebee on Sept. 9, 1919 at their farm north of Nelson, Neb. She graduated from Nelson High School in 1937. After graduation, she stayed on the farm and helped her parents. She also worked in town. In 1943, she came to Niles for a vacation. She stayed and got a job at National Standard. She retired in 1987 from Niles Precision.

Theda attended Bertrand Bible Church in Niles. She enjoyed working in her garden and flowerbeds and making afghans for her grandchildren.

On July 10, 1945, she married Dwaine Wendell Jackson in Niles. He preceded her in death on Dec. 20, 1998.

She was also preceded in death by her grandson, James Nichols Clowers, who died April 13, 1985, and a brother, Milton “Bud” (Vera) Ferebee of Nelson; sisters, Pat (Roy) West of Deshler, Neb. and Wilma Watts of Fairfield, Neb.; many nieces an nephews; and her best friend, Ashley Harman of South Bend.

The funeral service for Theda will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 2009 at Halbritter Funeral Homes in Niles with the Rev. Robert E. Jackson of First Church of God officiating.

Entombment will be held at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Theda may be made to Berrien County Cancer Service.