of St. Louis, MO

January 4, 1942 - February 19, 2024

Loretta Jane Risner Cartwright was born in her family's home in Mountain View, Arkansas on January 4, 1942. She was the middle child of Ivan Risner and Fannie Lancaster Risner. Jane grew up in Mountain View living next door to her Mamaw and Papaw, Lewis and Minta Jane Risner, and just down the street from her Granny, Laura Lancaster.

Jane was a proud member of the Mountain View High School Class of '59 and always looked forward to their reunions. After graduation, she attended Arkansas State in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where she graduated in 1963, with a Bachelor's Degree in English Education and a minor in Library Science. While at ASU, she was active in the Baptist Student Union and Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority.

Her first job was teaching English at Mountain View High School and continued on her teaching journey by accepting a librarian position in 1968 at the Pattonville School District and moved to St Louis, Missouri. It was rare for Jane to miss a day of work, a Sunday at church, or an opportunity to help out if additional work was needed. Her strong work ethic was instilled into her children and grandchildren. Throughout her life, Jane was an avid reader and loved to travel and spend time with her family.

Jane passed away at her home on February 19, 2024, surrounded by her loving family following a year-long battle with cancer.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph Giacopelli, and their combined seven children: Melanie (Rob) Maesaka, Laura (John Stuhlman) Brotherton, Kathi Cartwright, Zach (Cathy) Cartwright Jr., Joseph (Teresa) Giacopelli Jr., Peter (Stefani) Giacopelli, and Janice Reedy; grandchildren, Alyssa (Andrew) Scoville, Stephanie (Ben Faerber) Surgener, Victoria, Zachary, and Owen Brotherton, Adam and Eric (Leia) Cartwright, Samantha (David) Lee and Jacob Giacopelli, Kendall and Lucas Reedy, Dominic and Vincent Giacopelli, plus six great, grandchildren.

Jane is preceded in death by her husband, Zachary Cartwright, father of Kathi and Zach Jr., and Marvin Buerkle, father of Melanie and Laura. She was also preceded in death by her brother-in-law, James Franks.

She is survived by her brother, Ronnie (Charlene) Risner, sister, Judy Franks ; nieces, Ronda (Noel) Boucher, Carrie (Rowdy) Ross, Julie (Gary) Nelson; and nephew, Alex (Jan) Franks. She also has eight great-nieces and nephews, plus fifteen great-great-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jane's life will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2024, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and service at 10:30 a.m., at First Baptist Church of Mountain View. Burial will take place at Flatwoods Cemetery immediately following the service.

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