Jean Stackhouse Skaife

Jean La Vonne Stackhouse Skaife, the only child of Phillip and Edna Stackhouse, was born September 12th, 1921. Jean passed away on June 12th, 2026 in Chapel Hill, NC, having lived a full life of 104 years. 

Jean was born and grew up in Adams, WI, where her father was a railroad conductor. She graduated from Adams-Friendship High School and attended St. Theresa College in Winona, MN.

Jean met and married Charles Skaife while working at the Soil Conservation Service Farm Planner office in Madison, WI. Jean and Charlie spent the majority of their married life in Waukesha, WI. Jean was a faithful servant at First Presbyterian Church in Waukesha, where she was a member, as well as Administrative Assistant for a number of years. Cedar Key, FL became a second home following retirement, with many happy winters spent there. 

Jean had many interests that centered around wildlife and nature. Her love and interest in the conservation of cranes took her on worldwide travels with The International Crane Foundation, located in Baraboo, WI. She loved meeting people and made lifelong friends around the world. Following Charlie's death, Jean and her partner Jim Brock also traveled north, south, east, and west. A favorite place to come back to was the small cottage Jean's father had built in the 1950's in Easton, WI. This special place had all of Jean's loves - resident foxes, a variety of birds, Sandhill Cranes, and a beloved prairie garden. 

Jean is survived by her daughter, Ivy Shelton (Phil); grandsons, Philip (Melissa), Charlie (Anna); great-grandson, Teddy; and 7 step-grandchildren.

Memorials in Jean's name can be directed to The International Crane Foundation.