Jacqueline Cockrell Fladeboe Putney was born April, 7, 1929 in Eagletown, Oklahoma to Mrs. Johnnie Ines Reid Cockrell and Mr. Roy Conrad Cockrell.
Her early years were spent growing up with the difficulties of life in the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. In 1933 her mother, Johnnie, and this beautiful 4yr old golden girl, plus her two sisters, set out for the promises of a better life in the golden State of California. The three sisters had to abandon many of their possessions because it was too much for their mother to carry, especially their dolls, on the side of the road so that they could catch rides to California. We believe that she learned early on the importance of a loving heart and a strong determination to always see the best in people and situations.
Her mother remarried and settled the blended family of seven children in Bellflower. Jacqueline graduated from high school and like so many young women of their generation went to work starting at the Bank of America. She never looked back...she poured all of her energy into becoming a person that was beautiful on the outside and even more beautiful on the inside. While there was the banking side of her work she also took time to do some modeling; brains and beauty...a great combination.
It was at the bank that she caught the eye of a young Marine Corps veteran who was starting his career in finance who then moved on to the automobile sales business. In 1949 Jacqueline married Rayburn W. Fladeboe. In 1951 their first child, Candice was born followed by Denice, Bruce and Renae.
Jacqueline was not only there to support Ray during the growth of his business she was a great mother and homemaker for the family. The business grew into multiple dealerships with Jacqueline attending numerous business events with Ray, balancing the finances of a growing business, home and family and later managed the building of a new family home in La Habra Heights and the move of the family into their new community and schools.
In addition to the kids, grandchildren were becoming part of the family with the first arrival in 1975. That's when she resumed her modeling career. Although stunning in the photographs, she remained humble.
In 1979 Jacqueline and Ray divorced and she worked very hard to lessen the impact on all of the children. With two of the children off to start their own families the other two at school and jobs she continued to run a home filled with family, friends and good times.
In 1988 Jacqueline and Richard Putney married. He absolutely cherished and adored her. They traveled, enjoyed weekends and holidays at her mountain home in Lake Arrowhead and continued to live in La Habra Heights. More grand children joined the family and then great grandchildren.
Sadly, Richard passed away in 2003, she missed him dearly. Jacqueline then moved to Laguna Niguel to be closer to the children and grandchildren. Now well established as the Great Matriarch of the family Jacqueline spent many happy days with the arrival of more great grand children, 9 to-date.
Jacqueline, with her beautiful heartfelt laugh, modesty and wonderful common sense will be greatly missed. In the words of one of her grandchildren, “Grandmother, we are so lucky to have been blessed with such an elegant, graceful and wise soul. You will never be forgotten! “
Jacqueline is survived by her brother Terry and sister Shirley. Children; Candice Kaltenbach (Eric), Denice Fladeboe Mock (Brian), Bruce Fladeboe (Carrie), Renae Fladeboe Kline Wilkinson (David).
Grandchildren; Chelsea Burns Stivers Huycke Geyer, Ryan Burns (Aline), Lindsay Mock Galen (Reed) Nicole Fladeboe McNeilly (Scott), Adam Fladeboe, Isabel Fladeboe, Madison Kline, Ryan Wilkinson, Kelsey Wilkinson.
Great Grandchildren; Kailee Stivers (19), Oliver (12), Eliott (11) & Bixby (10) Huycke, Kennedy Geyer (6 mos), Dylan (6) & Tessa (4 ) Galen, Lilly (3) & Sienna (1) Burns
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Everything they do is centered around finding cures and saving children. This is why Jacqueline chose to support their lifesaving efforts through this special fund.
It costs $2 million per day to operate St. Jude using the latest technologies and exceptional care. But because of people like us, the price for patient families is $0.
Many families come to St. Jude thinking it's like any other hospital. They expect to pay high fees to get their child the best care.
They're overwhelmed with gratitude when they learn that St. Jude will work to save their child's life for free using world-class care.
Jacqueline wanted to help them do everything possible to end childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Will you join her by making a donation?