Jackie Mendenhall

Jackie Ann Mendenhall died Monday at the age of 81 after an ongoing battle with heart and lung problems. Jackie was born August 22, 1931 in Los Angeles, California to Maude Lucille Davies and Cal Gormley. She was shortly joined in the family by a younger sister Dorothy who was her only sibling. Her family moved around and lived in many places including South Dakota, and Mt. Vernon Washington. In 1949 she met Harold Mendenhall and after a short courtship they were married July 18, 1949. They were married for 60 years. Harold and Jackie had three daughters, Judy, Sue and Carolyn. The girls were raised in Eureka, California where Jackie worked as a waitress but her main job was boss of the house. She ran a tight ship but there was plenty of time for games, camping and fun. As the girls married they spread out around the country but the family stayed close. Each daughter had two children. She dearly loved her grandchildren Christopher, Rachel, Crystal, Michelle, Steven and Eric and they were the joy of her life. She poured her life into her grandchildren like she poured her life into her children. And then came seven great-grandchildren. Jackie loved the greats and they loved her back. After their children were grown Harold and Jackie moved to Vancouver, Washington where he worked until he retired. Upon retirement Harold and Jackie moved to Monmouth to be closer to Sue and to watch their youngest grandsons, Steven and Eric grow up. They were ever present in the lives of all their grandchildren from tee-ball to graduations to weddings. The word that describes her is beloved. She was beloved by her kids and her grandkids and her friends. She loved well and was loved in return. Jackie was preceded in death by her husband Harold in 2010. She is survived by her sister Dorothy Diaz of Monmouth; Three daughters, Judy Repp of New Freedom, Pennsylvania, Susan Morris of Corvallis and Carolyn Johnson of Eureka, California; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren A memorial service will be held at 12 noon Saturday, November 10th at Corvallis Evangelical Church. A second memorial service will be held in Eureka, California. The time and place for the Eureka service are to be determined. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Lung Association.

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Jackie Mendenhall

August 22, 1931 - November 5, 2012