Jacqueline “Jackie” Lee Mantia, 32, Gardner, Kansas, passed away Monday, August 8, 2022 at her home. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.  Memorial contributions may be made to Mission Driven or Joshua Center.  Condolences may be left at www.brucefuneralhome.com

Jackie was born in Merriam, Kansas on July 21, 1990. Jackie was a lifelong area resident, attended Gardner Edgerton High School and was a member of Divine Mercy Catholic Church. She was a bus monitor for First Student. Jackie loved her dogs. Jackie loved her family. She loved kids and turtles, liked music and enjoyed attending concerts.  Jackie also enjoyed history and shopping on Etsy. 

Jackie is survived by her parents, Mark Augustine and Terri Lynne (Pendroy) Mantia, Gardner, KS; grandparents: Salvatore and Annunciata Mantia, Overland Park, KS. and Jack and Tink Pendroy, Gardner, KS; brother, Dalton Ryan Mantia, Gardner, KS; sisters: Madison Rose Mantia, Gardner, KS. and Chloe Ann Mantia, Lawrence, KS; uncle, Ryan (Angie) Pendroy, Melvern, KS; aunt, Mary Ellen (Ian) Gillespie, Roeland Park, KS; cousins: Garrett Pendroy, Gunnar Pendroy and Alena Gillespie; her dog, Stella.  

Jackie
I don’t know where to start or how even to put thoughts together that make sense. You were never one to blend into the crowd, you always stood out and showed off who you were. Your style, your attitude, your ever present inner child like wonder made you unique and unlike any other. You would have given every last dollar you had plus whatever you had at your house if someone asked you for help because all you wanted to do was help people and see the good in everyone. You never asked for anything in return as long as you made the other person happy. You embraced everyone like they were family and protected your family with a fierce love and passion. You helped bring awareness to kids struggling all over the country and even taught them how to adjust to life when no one else gave them a chance. You took your job the extra mile and brought costumes to work because you knew if a kid was having a rough day it would make them smile.
Me and you were not supposed to thrive in this world, we started with odds stacked against us. We stood together and took everything we had in stride and became stronger for it, a deep spoken and unspoken bond that couldn’t be replicated. I won’t ever forget the lessons you taught me and will continue to live with your values at heart. I will love you forever and I will see you again. Jake, Jenna and Sadie are waiting for you. Go home, I’ll take it from here.