Sept. 4, 1947 — Nov. 27, 2025
Mary Linda Jackson, age 78 years, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.
Born in Louisville, Kentucky to William and Emilie Liston, Linda grew up in Muncie, Indiana alongside her five younger siblings. She graduated from Burris High School in 1965 before continuing her education at Saint Louis University, where she studied nursing and was a proud member of the Billiken’s cheerleading team.
On Oct. 19, 1968, Linda married her soulmate, Daniel Dewey Jackson. Together, they moved to Ashland, Oregon in 1974, where they established two thriving dental practices and raised their two children. Linda worked alongside Dan as the office manager of his practices, but her true passion was being a devoted wife, mother, and eventually, a cherished grandmother.
A gifted cook, Linda delighted in preparing gourmet meals for her family and friends. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her own family, as she continued to care for others throughout her life. Linda served with distinction on the Ashland Hospital Board and Foundation, as well as helping others through her PTO group, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, and she was a faithful parishioner at Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church. Linda’s love for her community, her boundless compassion, and her iconic hugs were felt by all who knew her.
An avid lover of nature, Linda enjoyed traveling with Dan and treasured family time. Whether it was cheering on a sports team, baking in the kitchen, or a spontaneous adventure, Linda’s heart was happiest when surrounded by the people she loved. Her 57-year marriage to Dan was a beautiful partnership, one that served as a living testament to love, commitment, and mutual respect. They were rarely apart, and together, they set a shining example of devotion for their children and grandchildren.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, William and Emilie Liston, her brothers Daniel and Kevin Liston, her sisters Ann (Russell) Pellar and Michelle Rotz, her brother-in-law David Kitchell, and her nephew Ira Liston. She is survived by her devoted husband, Dr. Daniel Jackson, her sister Tricia Kitchell, her children Damian (Sherry) Jackson and Brie (Morgan) Moon, her cherished grandchildren Kiya, Dasan, and Tehya Jackson, Sullivan and Sophia Moon, and ten nieces and nephews.
A Catholic Mass and Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025 in Ashland at Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church at 987 Hillview Dr. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Memories of Linda may be shared with the family at litwillersimonsen.com.
Obituaries may be submitted to Ashland.news via our online article submission form, or via email to [email protected], with a photo or two attached if desired. Please be sure to include dates of birth and death, and reference to connections to Ashland/Talent/Southern Oregon. Please allow a few days for posting. There is no charge. Those wishing to make a donation supporting the Ashland.news service may do so here.
