Kathy Jacob-House, of Huntsville, AL, peacefully passed away Thursday, December 22, 2016 in Chicago, IL after a courageous fight with Neuromyelitis Optica. She was 67. Kathy was born on July 7, 1949 in Athens, Georgia to the late Eugene and Alice Ruffin.
Kathy graduated from Murrah High School in Jackson, MS and attended the University of Southern Mississippi. In 1976, she married Stuart Jacob, and together they had two children, Ashley and Jessica. Kathy devoted herself to the profession of motherhood as she valued her home and the power of a mother’s love. Kathy was always involved in her children’s education such as the Parent-Teacher Association, board meetings, field trips, and fundraising events. In 1994, Kathy was predeceased by her husband Stuart and re-married to Bill House in 2006.
Kathy was very active in the Huntsville community. She served as a member of many organizations including The Garden Guild of the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Kathy also helped organize fundraising events for local businesses. Kathy’s faith inspired her to reach out to the elders of the First United Methodist Church where she worked with the Stephen Ministry. Much of Kathy’s fulfillment stemmed from helping others, which is why she volunteered her time to help tutor children at Lincoln Village.
Everyone who knew her will miss Kathy’s joyful spirit and loving heart. Kathy is survived by her husband, Bill House; daughters, Ashley Jacob of New York, and Jessica Jacob Morgan of Huntsville; daughter-in-law, Wendy McLaughlin; son-in-law, Seth Morgan; brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Laura Ruffin of Athens, GA; grandchildren, Stuart, Audrey, and Parish; and stepchildren, David, Jenny, and Billy. Kathy’s courage and strength will live on in the hearts and daily lives of her two beautiful daughters whom she cherished so dearly.
Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, December 29 at First United Methodist Church. The funeral service will follow at the church with the Rev. Coy Hallmark and Dr. Glenn Conner officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations should be made to Northwestern Memorial Foundation: Division of Immunotherapy and Autoimmune Diseases, mailed to: Northwestern University, Division of Immunotherapy and Autoimmune Diseases, Attn: KQuigley, 446 E Ontario 10th floor suite 1000, Chicago IL 60611. Please indicate that you would like the funds to be directed by Dr. Burt. With your donation in memory of Kathy and in honor of Richard K. Burt, M.D, Kathy will continue to help those patients that she loved so dearly.
