Jacqueline Marthe Baltis Natsch, known lovingly as Jackie, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 96. She was born on January 28, 1930, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Gary Pryce Baltis and Marthe Julie Beauchet Baltis.
Jackie grew up in Kansas City and moved to Jefferson City in 1953, where she and her husband, Buzz, built a wonderful life together for many decades. In 2018, she relocated to St. Louis, a move that allowed her to reconnect with family and enjoy new time with loved ones there.
She graduated from the University of Missouri in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Throughout her career, she devoted herself to helping and teaching others, working as an elementary school teacher, French teacher, and social worker. Her patience, curiosity, and love of learning inspired those around her and left a lasting imprint on her students and colleagues alike.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 50 years, William Rudolph “Buzz” Natsch, Jr., and by her siblings Helene (Raymond) Jault, Gary (Pat, Dolores), John Robert (Nancy), Jack (Bernardine), June (Don) Power, and Joyce (Bob) Lott.
A lifelong resident of Missouri, Jackie is survived by her son, William (Jacqueline A.) Natsch of St. Louis, Missouri, and her cherished grandchildren, Casey William Natsch of Kansas City, Missouri, and Emily Kaitlyn Natsch of Cocoa Beach, Florida. Casey lovingly gave her the nickname “Choo Choo Grandma” because she and Buzz lived along the Missouri River above the train tracks, where they enjoyed watching the trains pass by together. The name stuck, becoming a sweet reminder of her warmth, playfulness, and the sense of wonder she brought to every part of life.
Her family also affectionately called her “Toots,” a nickname that perfectly captured her fun-loving spirit and joyful presence. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews in the US and in France, all of whom held a special place in her heart and brought her great joy through the years.
Jackie and Buzz shared a love of animals and through the years cared for horses, dogs, and several cats. They treasured their time together at the Lake of the Ozarks, where they enjoyed the outdoors and the company of friends and family. Jackie was active in her community, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, playing golf and bridge, and traveling whenever she could—especially to visit family in France, a country close to her heart through her mother’s heritage.
A gifted violinist, Jackie played in the Jefferson City Orchestra for more than 40 years, sharing her love of music with others. She was also a devoted member of the Jefferson City Chapter of P.E.O. and a proud Master Gardener. Above all, Jackie treasured time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.
Visitation will be held at Kutis Funeral Home at 10151 Gravois Road in St. Louis on Thursday, April 2, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 3, at Riverview Cemetary at 4600 West Main Street in Jefferson City.
Contributions in Jackie’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Missouri Master Gardeners, P.E.O. Chapter HM, or the charity of your choice.
Her legacy of kindness, grace, and curiosity—and the loving spirit her family will always remember as “Choo Choo Grandma” and “Toots”—will be cherished by all who knew her.