Jacqueline Jean “Wama” Kuykendall, 66, a resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, August 19, 2017.

She was born on March 20, 1951 in Sioux City, Iowa the daughter of Theodore and Rozena (Brummer) Jonas.  Jacque attended various Catholic schools throughout her childhood between Iowa and Washington State. Her father worked as a construction superintendent which required the family to travel.  This led them to Skagit County, residing in Alger.  Jacque graduating from Burlington Edison High School in 1969, she later earned her AA degree at Skagit Valley College.

In November 1972 she married Ralph Van Esch, together they had their 3 daughters Vanessa, Kelley and Katie.  They later divorced and in May 1987.  She married Laurie Gent in which she inherited Troy & Toni. They later divorced and in 2013 she married her Lonesome Dove, Philip Kuykendall in which she inherited Jennifer & Justin.

Jacque worked in the medical field for 10 years prior to her 30 year service with the Skagit County Public Works Department where she was the Executive Assistant to the Director and where her coworkers quickly became lifelong friends.

Jacque loved everything outside, she enjoyed camping, horseback trail riding, fishing, tending to her yard, loved going to the beach with her daughters collecting shells. In February 2013 along with her cowboy Phil they bought their dream property on 5 acres where retired life would allow them to start the hobby farm she’s always wanted “Howies Hill” became a special place with their 2 horses Cody & Howie, many chickens & goats, donkey Muriel, 2 cats Gus & Woodrow along with her beloved dogs Dottie, Rosie & Angus.

Our mom had such a giving heart and was the perfect balance of grit & grace, everything she did she did with everything she had, such a hard worker and she loved teaching her grandchildren anything she could whenever she could.

Jacque is survived by her husband, Phil on “Howies Hill” in Sedro Woolley; children, Vanessa Perez (Chris) of Arizona, Kelley Evans (Greg) of Oak Harbor, Katie Rex (Jeff) of Mt. Vernon, Justin Kuykendall (Mar) of Vigo, Spain, and Jennifer (Keith) Bansworth of CA.; grandchildren, Troy, Sydney & Brianna of Arizona, Lucas, Jake & Wyatt of Oak Harbor, Olivia of Mt, Vernon, Diego, Miguel & Eva of Vigo Spain and Jake of CA.;  her first great grandson, River,  due in December 2017; sister, Janelle Howell of Yakima; brother, Jay (Anita) Jonas; with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by former spouse, Ralph Van Esch; her parents, Theodore & Rozena Jonas; grandparents, Herman and Josephine Brummer and Theordore and Ruth Jonas.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 1:00PM at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley, followed by a reception at the Skagit Golf & Country Club.  Jacque will be laid to rest in a private inurnment at Greenhills Cemetery at a later date.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jafari and his caring staff, Hospice, the staff at The Trainwreck, and Sarah Thornhill for her loving care she gave mom during her final moments. Donations in Jacqueline’s  name can be made to the Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center.