Jessie Fay Moncatch

Jessie Fay Moncatch (Wardlaw) left this world and entered the next on May 18, 2025. She was born in Itawamba County, Miss. on November 3, 1934 to Arthur and Reba Wardlaw. Jessie, the sixth of nine children, spent her youth working on the family cotton farm in Amory, Miss. After losing her mother at age 10, Jessie and her older sisters turned their attention to raising their younger siblings.

When Jessie was in her late teens/early twenties, she moved north to Kenosha, where she was employed at Jockey. A few short years later, she met her husband of 51 years, John. John and Jessie were married on December 27, 1955. Less than a year later, they welcomed a son, John Michael. Two years later, a second son, Dannie Lee was born. Being a mother was Jessie’s greatest joy. She was often found in the kitchen making various meals and desserts for her family. Each meal was a labor of love.

After retiring, John and Jessie moved north to their cabin on Big Arbor Vitae Lake in Arbor Vitae, where many years were spent making memories with each other and their family. Shortly after retiring, they welcomed their first grandchild, Dannie Jr., who quickly became the center of their world. Sara, Andrew, and Brandon were added to the family over a nine-year span. Each grandchild was loved beyond measure. In addition to being a doting grandmother, Jessie enjoyed her retirement by making family meals, playing Yahtzee, reading and socializing with her friends and family.

Jessie is preceded in death by her husband, John, her son, John Michael, daughter in-law, Susan, and all her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her son, Dannie Sr., daughter in-law, Mary, her grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Bolger Funeral Home in Woodruff, on Saturday, May 24. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at Forest Garden Cemetery in Woodruff at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Heart Association or Aspirus Seasons of Life Hospice.

A special thank you to Howard Young Medical Center and Seasons of Life Hospice for their compassionate care in the final days of Jessie’s life. www.bolgerfuneral.com.