Word was received on August 15, 2021 that Lola Jacquelyn "Jackie" Vandergriff Yount passed away on September 27, 2018 at her home in La Luz, NM.  The Class of 1961 is grateful to Jackie's sister, Jamie, for passing along this information.  Jackie died unexpectedly from a stroke at home and had experienced other health issues.  The family mourns her passing. The Class of 1961 sends our sympathy to Jackie's family.

Lola Jacquelyn Yount was born on May 25, 1943 and passed away on September 26, 2018. She is the daughter of local writer, Lola Aola Vandergriff, and the late Senator William Palmer Vandergriff. Shortly after Jackie's birth, her father relocated his wife and baby to San Antonio, Texas, to prepare for his deployment overseas. When he sailed to England, Jackie and her mother lived in Oklahoma with her grandparents while awaiting his return from WW II. In the ensuing years five siblings were born. The family remained in Oklahoma until 1960 when they began a life of travel and adventure as Bill Vandergriff followed his work throughout the Midwest and West Coast with the Department of Defense.

In the late 1960s Jackie began her own career with the Air Force at McClellan AFB in Sacramento, California. In 1970 she married Marine Sgt. Vance Yount, and his job took them to the East Coast. On her own again in 1978, she resumed her career with Civil Service at Holloman AFB, NM and retired after 40 years of service to her country where her life was filled with commendations, outstanding military co-workers and supervisors, and countless airmen who referred to her as "Mom." Throughout her life Jackie was involved in church work, Red Cross and other charities. She was an avid reader, artist, and devoted rescuer, protector, and lover of many of God's feline children.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents; a sister-in-law, Marilyn Vandergriff; and her ex-husband. She is survived by her siblings: William Ladd Vandergriff and Judy; Rebecca Lynn Williams and Skip, Jamie Dean Vandergriff, Michael Orrin Vandergriff, Patrick Clay Vandergriff and Chrystal, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held in Laborcita Canyon on Sunday, October 7, at 10:00 a.m.