Mary I. Jacobi, 86, of Bowman, ND, passed away on February 7, 2026 at the Southwest Healthcare Services in Bowman.   Memorial Services for Mary will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Home Chapel in Bowman.  Fellowship will follow services at the Bowman Methodist Church.

Mary I. Jacobi, 86, of Bowman, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, at Southwest Healthcare Services.

Mary Ida Wilber was born on August 2, 1939, in Thunder HawkSD, to Ida Maire and James Wilber. Mary grew up in the Thunder Hawk/Lemmon area and often babysat for local families while in high school. She attended and graduated from Lemmon High School.

After graduating, Mary continued to live and work in Lemmon.Mary met National Guardsman Ross Jacobi while he was in town for drill, crossing paths at the Kokomo Bar in Lemmon.Soon after, the two began dating and fell in love. Mary and Ross were united in marriage on November 15, 1959.

Ross and Mary lived in Buffalo, South Dakota, for a brief period before moving to the family ranch near Ludlow. While living on the ranch, they built a life together and were eventually joined by a son, Randy, and daughters, Retta and Roma. Mary was very active in the community, participating in a Homemakers Club, helping with Girl Scouts, serving as an active member of the Methodist Church, assisting with Harding County elections, and dedicating many hours to both the Harding County Fair and the Bowman County Fair. In August 2022, she was honored with Harding County's "Friend of the Fair Award" in recognition of her dedication and service. She also volunteered for many years at the Pioneer Trails Regional Museum and worked for a summer at Eats N Treats. Mary enjoyed reading, puzzles, sewing, and watching Jeopardy!. Above all else, Mary treasured quality time with her loved ones. She welcomed visits from family and friends near and far and never cared how long they stayed, simply appreciating the time spent together. As the years went by, Ross and Mary moved to Bowman, North Dakota, where they found a small apartment with less maintenance and easier access to healthcare. Mary lost Ross, the love of her life, in December 2016 after sharing more than 57 years of marriage.Mary continued to live in Bowman following Ross's death. She loved living in town, as it allowed her to be more social, attend her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's sporting events and school concerts, and enjoy more frequent visits from family and friends.

Mary continued to live on her own until 2023, when she moved to Southwest Healthcare Services to receive additional support, allowing her to remain safe and well cared for. While Mary initially found the move less than ideal, she quickly adapted and became very attached to the staff who cared for her. That feeling was mutual, as the staff truly loved and adored her as well. Mary was well known for keeping staff on their toes, often offering helpful tips, gentle reminders, and thoughtful advice on how things could be done just a bit better. Mary remained active, continuing to attend family outings, sporting events, concerts, holiday get-togethers, and coffee dates. Even in her later years, her presence, wisdom, and love left a lasting impression on everyone around her. Confident and outspoken, Mary was never shy about sharing her opinions or offering guidance. Her leadership, humor, and strong presence were part of who she was until the very end.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Ross; an infant son; and her parents, Ida Maire and James Wilber. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Ron Wilber Sr. and Dean Wilber; her sister, Althea Mandan; her niece, Roberta Wilber; her nephew, Ron Wilber Jr.; her father- and mother-in-law, Ralph and Signie Jacobi; and her sister-in-law, Roberta Cottle.

She is survived by her son, Randy (Darla) Jacobi of Ludlow, South Dakota, and their children Raeanna Jacobi; Kaitlin (Tyler) Focken; Kirsten (Jeremey) Stotts; and Ryan (Kathy Wilson) Jacobi. She is also survived by her daughters, Retta Jacobi of Bowman, North Dakota, and her children Jerica (Kyle) Harmon; Naomi (Dallas) Clark; Caynin; Corban (Cassidy); and Carson (Alyssa) Massey, and Roma Schade of Bowman, North Dakota, and her children Jordan (Michael) Bahm-Schade; Jason (Talyssa) Schade; and Sterling (Morgan) Quintanilla.

Mary is further survived by 10 great-grandchildren, with one on the way, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

A memorial service for Mary will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Home Chapel in Bowman, North Dakota. A time of fellowship and sharing of memories will follow at the Bowman Methodist Church.