Born in Big Spring, Texas Jacque was the first of 3 children to Riley and Louise Sharp. After moving to Clovis, New Mexico, where brother Gary was born, she enjoyed the many cousins of her mother’s large farming family. Relocating to Los Angeles, where sister Mitzie was born, she attended Captain Raymond Collins Elementary. At Clearwater Junior High she met her lifelong best friend, Julie and together attended Paramount High. Julie remembers her as a leader. “She could do anything” including Class President, head majorette for football games and parades, and playing piano and bass violin.

As a teenager she met future husband Ken Kottmann and waited for him to return from his service in the Army. They married in 1958. Her leaving home was difficult for little sister Mitzie, 11 years younger. By 1966 Ken and Jacque had a family of five. While raising 3 young children, Stacy, Kenny and Shelby, she joined and started charitable sorority chapters. As members of Zeta Omega, with friends Julie, Joyce, Joni, Lois, Violet, Gloria and more, they raised money for their national charity Heartspring (severely handicapped children), a new Heartspring chapel, and supported numerous Veterans’ groups.

After moving to Phoenix in 1971, with 3 grade school children, she began coordinating busy schedules driving them to various lessons, “ball practice”, and games. Jacque made time to be a founding member of the Faith House (now A New Leaf), a Domestic Violence Crisis Shelter. With children in High School, she became a “Marching Band Mom” to band members and cheerleader attending many sporting events and activities.

After managing medical offices for nearly 10 years, and supporting kids through college, she started her own business Arizona Medical. “She can do anything”. This reoccurring theme played over and over in her life. While living in Arrowhead Lakes she and Ken began attending Dove of the Desert United Methodist Church. When Ken’s emphysema took over their lives, she became a loving cheerleader and caretaker. Her faith always strong, her fortitude unwavering. After Ken’s passing, she became more involved in church greeting members with her “Welcome Wagon”. The grief support group, prayer shawl knitters, Emaus, and mailing notes of comfort to church members brought her wonderful friendships and joy.

Her main focus in life was her children. Loving, supportive, ready to listen without judgement, or advise, honest and forgiving, she was determined to see the glass half full in a positive and Godly way. Years of experience was her fruit of wisdom to share. She was inclusive and loving with everyone making welcome the spouses of her children, and family. She cherished each of her grandchildren making time to celebrate each one, consistently attending special occasions and milestones, as a grandmother.

If you met her in an elevator, she would probably have said something to make you laugh. She never met a stranger. No fear, just love and faith. We will miss you mom, devoted wife, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend.

Jacque is survived by daughter Stacy and husband Michael, son Ken and wife Diane, daughter Shelby, her sister Mitzie and husband Glenn, her grandchildren Alexander, Christopher, Jessica and their mother Ute, and Shelby’s son Gage. A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be given at Dove of the Desert United Methodist Church on May 23, 2026 at 3pm. A Reception at the church will follow.