Jessie May Bogardus, 85, of Denver, Iowa, formerly of Waterloo, died Sunday, May 30, 2021, at UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital in Waterloo. She was born July 29, 1935, in Waterloo, daughter of Si Willey and Bernice Evelyn Bolton Luck. Jessie married Kenneth Bogardus in 1953 and they later divorced.

She is survived by three daughters, Debbie (Arnie) Freilinger of Waterloo, Cindy (Jeff) Wallace of Charles City and Donna (Tom) Kragel of Traer; two sons, Randy (Cheryl) Bogardus of Gilbertville and Terry (Kelly) Bogardus of Waterloo; nine grandchildren: Courtney, Chasity, Cory, Randy, Troy, Keri, Jade, Jaxson and Jersey; and several great grandchildren. Jessie is preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Kathy Bogardus; a sister, Sandra Luck; and a brother, Maynard Luck.

Jessie was a wonderful homemaker, devoted to her family with her children being top priority. No matter how little they may have had at times, she always made sure they had what they needed. Jessie made the best homemade chicken and noodles, taking the entire day to roll out the dough for noodles. And she baked the best homemade bread always making sure the kids got their "special dough dabs."

She was also an avid collector of salt & pepper shakers. Everyone knew to bring her back a set from any trip taken. Jessie loved to crochet. If she wasn't crocheting, most likely she'd be working on a Word Search puzzle sitting on the porch where she loved to be. In later years, her favorite pastime was taking afternoon naps.

Jessie loved the Lord, also ensuring that her children and grandchildren were taught about the Lord too. She taught Sunday School for many years and loved every second of it. Jessie loved watching the grandkids and great grandkids grow up, attending numerous events and parties. Up until the time she no longer could, Jessie was her sister's keeper making sure to not be too "bossy" as her sister would say she was.

Jessie was the most unselfish, non-judgmental, forgiving woman a person could ever meet. She will always be loved and forever missed.