Ilena Jackson Schneiter

Schneiter, Ilena Jackson - age 92, responded to a higher calling on Sunday, November 2, 2014. She passed away in her sleep less than a month after her husband of 60 years went to be with the Lord. Born August 10, 1922, in Beattyville, KY, Ilena was the youngest of five children. To celebrate the occasion, her father purchased the first car in town. Because there were no suitable roads coming to town, the car had to be delivered by barge. Ilena graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1943 and taught elementary school for several years before marrying John Schneiter, a Lutheran pastor, in 1953. Ilena was also a superb musician, trained in classical organ and piano. She served as organist at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Lexington, KY, and later at several Lutheran churches. She was three hours shy of completing her masters degree at the University of Kentucky when her husband was called to a church in Paducah, KY. Ilena delighted in working with young children and spent many years as a kindergarten and first grade teacher, as well as a school librarian. She and John retired to Knoxville in 1994. She is preceded in death by her husband John F. Schneiter, as well as her parents, Shelby and Jeanette Jackson, and by her four older siblings. Survivors include her daughters, Jody Hendrick of Knoxville, TN, Mary Carolyn Rice of Brentwood, TN, grandchildren Robyn Thompson, Kelly Hendrick, Julie Hendrick, Scott Rice, and Betsy Rice. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, including Carolyn Roof of Paducah, Kentucky, and by two great grandchildren. Ilena will be remembered as a devoted wife, dutiful teacher, librarian and organist, and a doting mother and grandmother. We will miss her greatly. The family wishes to thank the staff of Little Creek Sanitarium for the loving and tender care given to Ilena over the last few years. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 4, at 4:00 p.m. at the Messiah Lutheran Church reception hall. A celebration of Ilena’s life will follow at 4:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary. There will be a private interment at Highland Memorial Cemetery on Wednesday morning. Online condolences at www.rosemortuary.com.

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Ilena Jackson Schneiter

August 10, 1922 - November 2, 2014