Jackie Wallace Obituary

Jackie Elaine Wallace was born on Feb. 16, 1932 to Jack and Lucille Meadows. She joined a family of three older sisters, Hazel, Norma and Nola. The family was later completed with another sister, Oretta.

Jackie grew up in McElmo Canyon at Battlerock Ranch where they lived on a farm that grew melons and vegetable and raised animals. Jackie and her sisters worked in the fields' right along with their dad. Highlights of growing up on the ranch were arrow hunting; one of her favorite stories is how she found one half of an arrow head and later on her dad found the other half.

Jackie and Dwight went to school together in McElmo. Although Jackie had known him in grade school, she did not really become acquainted with him until they met in Dolores at the "Rat Race". Jackie and her soul mate, Dwight Lyle Wallace were married on December 25, 1951 in McElmo Canyon at the home she had grown up in. From that day forward Jackie became a cowboy's dream, ranching beside Dwight for the rest of their lives. For the next fifty some years, Jackie and Dwight lived their dream of being ranchers along with Dwight's mother Mary. When Dwight was drafted into the armed forces, Jackie and Mary took care of the family ranch and cattle until he was able to return home. They had a lot of good help from others, like the Fitzgerald's. In later years, many people came into their lives to help them. A lot of their friends such and Johnny and Frank Green, the Robin's children, the Randolph's and many more too numerous to mention helped them with their ranching operation.

Many friends would come help them with branding, haying and activities on the ranch. In later years, a young man came into their lives and helped with the operations of the ranch, Stan Right. He brought joy and help to them along with Steven who became a grandchild to Jackie and Dwight. Later, young ladies were also brought in to share the joys of their life. We wouldn't want to forget that Jackie and Dwight loved their horses. One of their many joys was watching their race horses run. Jackie and Dwight raised many award winning race horses and traveled to races all over the southwest.

Later in Jackie's life, the three Wallace boys', Steve, Jay, and Tim were asked to continue the ranching operations of the Wallace Ranches. Jackie was an active member of the Southwest Cowbells for over 60 years. She became a lifetime member in 2002. She loved selling raffle tickets, napkins, and calendars, often being the top salesman. Jackie loved going to the casino, hunting arrow heads, rock hunting, cooking, and card parties and entertaining.

Jackie leaves behind her sisters, Nola and Oretta; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her precious caregiver Cathy Conway. Jackie is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Lucille Meadows; her sisters, Norma and Hazel; and the love of her life, Dwight.

Arrangements were made through Ertel Funeral Home. For further information or to send condolences, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.