Get to know the 4-H staff: Kathe Jackson

Most of you have had some sort of contact with that Douglas County 4-H icon Kathe Jackson. Let's face it, she's been the backbone of the 4-H office for 24 years! But how much do you really know about her?

Kathe is a Colorado native born in Salida, but raised in Colorado Springs. Currently, she lives in Franktown with her husband of 40 years, Ernie.

Kathe has two daughters, Kelli and Jodi. Kelli is married and lives on a cattle ranch in Wyoming where she and her husband are raising three kids. Jodi lives in Wheatridge and is a very successful title closer for a company that works with foreclosures.

Prior to working as the 4-H secretary, Kathe was an aerobics instructor for 10 years while being a stay-at-home mom. For six years, Kathe was the organizational leader of the Castle Rock Aggies. Boasting 80 members, the club focused on sheep, hog, and beef projects. Kathe's daughters raised sheep, and she still has pictures behind her desk of their 4-H days.

One of Kathe's biggest hobbies is quilting. She also enjoys gardening, and we're thankful she has a green thumb as she keeps all the plants alive in the office. Her newest interest is photography.

What about the unusual spelling of her name? It has it's roots in third grade where there were so many "Kathy's" that it was the only way people knew which Kathe she was - and the spelling stuck.

Her favorites list:

• color: green
• food: Mexican
• movie: Pretty Woman, and anything suspenseful
• music: jazz, new age - no rap!

Surprising facts: Kathe was an active dirt bike rider, and she never turned down an opportunity to race her GTO!

Watch for more "getting to know the staff" postings.