She came into the world in Silver City, NM on March 31, 1976 and went home with Jesus December 11, 2020 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Kendra touched the lives of everyone she ever met. She gave hugs to everyone. She knew no strangers, and she remembered everyone. She loved life and celebrated every day with laughter, singing and dancing. She was an inspiration to many; but especially to her family. By her example, she taught us unselfishness, forgiveness and to live life to the fullest.
Kendra attended school in Special Education programs in Bayard Elementary and Silver Schools.
She graduated from Silver High School in 1997. She participated in Special Olympics. She ran track and was given the moniker “Kickin Kendra”. One year, she participated in the Winter Olympics in Cloudcroft and won several medals, including a gold in Cross Country Ski. And, she’d never been on a pair of skis!
As with people, Kendra loved animals. She was riding horses almost before she could walk. She rode with her sister, on the trails in Arenas Valley, on her horse, Freckles. Kendra went to an Equine Therapy Program; but was so experienced that she helped instruct the other clients. She was a member of the Munchkins 4-H Club. She enjoyed raising poultry and showing at the County Fair where she won many awards. She also loved showing lambs. Kendra enjoyed Fair time, not only in Grant County; but she got to experience the Catron County Fair when her brother was an AG teacher in Quemado. At home, she will be missed by her dogs, Jake and Sancho. She greeted them at the door every morning and checked on them throughout the day. She loved to play with her sister’s cats, Ferret and guinea pigs.
Kendra attended LifeQuest and an Open Door. She had many friends, some becoming life long friends, including her boyfriend, Don Gomez. he joined friends from both groups on a Tuesday Bowling League. Her team, Hits & Misses, won several 1st place awards. Kendra was a charter member of the Silver City Aktion Club. You could find her ringing bells at Christmas time out at Wal-mart. She was a member of the Hurley Community Church. She also was loved at other area churches, including Valley Community Church, 1st Baptist Church of Silver City, and United Methodist. She dearly loved her friends at Gila Baptist where we would attend services and activities with her brother and family.
Kendra was an active social “butterfly”. She loved going to the movies, attending dances and eating out. She looked forward to doing many of these things and going to yard sales with her cousins, April and Jerry Teague.
She gained her wings on Friday and the world lost a beautiful person; but heaven gained a beautiful angel. Her passing leaves a giant void in the lives of her family, Mom and Dad, Patty and Roy Jackson, sister, Traci and brother in-law, Peter Lucero all of Arenas Valley; brother, Beau Jackson and sister in-law, Anita of Buckhorn; nephews, Cody Jackson (Hannah), Cory Jackson (Keenan), Kasey Jackson, Tucker Perdue (Caitlin); nieces, Amery and Ardyn Jackson; one great nephew, Jameson Jackson. She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Awaiting Kendra with open arms in her Heavenly home are her beloved maternal grandparents, Fred and Betty Cook; paternal grandparents, Walter and Doris Jackson; Uncle Charlie and Aunt Clara Jackson; aunt Marilyn Moreland, aunt Polly Ward, and her cousins, Diana Cook Bailey and Catherine Cook. She is probably riding (horses) with her Bampaw, Merritt Kelly and being once again spoiled by her Mammaw, Thelma Kelly.
It is hard to go back to a place that’s filled with heart breaking memories-and people you never wanted to let go of. Kendra, you were so loved and you gave us so much love. Til we see each other again.
Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. She will be laid to rest at Fort Bayard National Cemetery. No service will be held at this time. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.