Jackie Lee Hales Shanks

Jackie Lee Hales Shanks, age 81, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026. She was born on March 14, 1944, in McAlester, Oklahoma, to Bill and Ina Ophelia Morgan Hales.

Jackie attended school in Warner and Webbers Falls. She was known for her strong work ethic and spent many years at Fin and Feather Resort in Gore, where she later retired. She met the love of her life, Gary M. Shanks, and they married on May 14, 1966. They shared many happy years together, and she joined him in heaven just over a month after his passing in 2026.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Jackie treasured every moment with her family. She loved her grandchildren deeply and took great pride in each of them and their growing families. She shared a special bond with Dustin, always teasing and picking at each other, and held a uniquely tender place in her heart for Samantha, whom she called her baby. She spoke warmly of her granddaughter-in-law Heather and delighted in giving her grandson-in-law Dillon the biggest hugs, often joking in a way that only made Tiffany smile. She stayed closely connected with her loved ones, speaking with her son Steven every day and ending each call with the same affectionate words, “Bye, my little darlin’.”

Jackie’s joyful spirit, contagious laugh, and warm hugs could brighten any room. She loved the outdoors, especially fishing, and spent her final day doing what she cherished most—fishing with her grandchildren. She enjoyed garage sale adventures with her sister-in-law Hannah and adored her great-nieces and great-nephew, Havyen, Toni, and Hindler. Rooted in a deep and abiding faith, she faithfully followed the teachings of Charles Stanley and lived a life centered on her Lord and Savior.

She is survived by her son, Steven Shanks, and wife Margo of Checotah, Oklahoma; her grandchildren Tiffany Rodden and husband Dillon of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Samantha Shanks of Checotah, Oklahoma, Steven Shanks and wife Heather of Portland, Texas, and Dustin Shanks of Checotah, Oklahoma; and her great-grandchildren Landon, Parker, Clint, and Clay. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Jackie was preceded in death by her husband, Gary M. Shanks; her son, Sammy D. McDonald; her parents, Bill and Ina Hales; and her sisters, Carolyn Sue Mullins, Billie Jean Lewis, and Linda Sharon Hales.