Jacqulyn Hurley Gaither

Christmas morning, 2017, on her all-time favorite day of the year, Jackie Gaither passed away peacefully at home with her loving grandson Rob by her side. Jackie was preceded in death by her husband, Hal Gaither and Daughter Cathy Rounsfell. She was survived by grandchildren Rob Rounsfell, John Rounsfell, step-children Cindy Cockcroft, Chris Gaither and Julie Duehring - and BooBoo, her beloved cat.

Jackie's family "tree" was blended in love and marriage, and resembled a beautiful family "shrub".

Jackie Gaither was born Febraury 21, 1931, and was raised in Redondo Beach by her mom Cappy. Jackie fell in love young, married Bob Yahr, and had her daughter Cathy.

Jackie fell in love with Hal Gaither in the mid '1960s. They married and resided first in Hawthorne, then in Westminster, CA. It was a second marriage for both, and with the blending of their two unique families, never a dull moment followed. Together they helped raise their kids Chris, Cathy, Cindy, and Julie, and enjoyed their grandchildren Rob and John Rounsfell, and later Travis Cockcroft and Mitch and Kyle Duehring.

A professional woman in the workforce, Jackie and best friend Barbara Will owned and operated a successful small electronics promotions company. Around 1972, when looking to buy a newer, bigger home in Orange county- Jackie and Hal listened to their precocious middle child Cindy (then just a 12-year-old future realtor), and decided to abandon those stressful summer family vacations and instead bought a large home with a backyard pool! They landed in the middle of Del Ray Circle in Westminster, CA. Many great memories were made in that home and backyard from that day forward. There were all day swim parties with cousins, neighbors, and friends, as well as Grandma Fern watching over all. Their door was always open, and all were welcome. Not a day went by without a neighbor stopping by to visit with Jackie and Hal (aka "Coach")-or leaning over the fence for a cup of sugar in some form. Jackie made sure every visitor was comfortable and knew she cared about them. Lifetime friendships were built and cherished.

In 1992, Jackie and Hal relocated into full retirement at Menifee Lakes Golf Course and Country Club. Jackie loved the weather, the pool next door, and the great people she and Hal got to know. Jackie was active in the women's group, hosting fundraisers, polling places, and of course organizing parties-- from Super Bowl to St Patrick's day, from Fourth of July to New Years. Jackie loved to dance and laugh and hear the latest gossip. Through the frequent trips to Laughlin, to visiting the kids in Northern Cal, or staying home and spinning around the neighborhood with Hal in his golf cart, or walking Suki around Menifee Lakes --Jackie was always happy. She taught us all to keep on keeping on. No matter what obstacles life threw her way, Jackie persevered and found a way to be happy in the present moment. In Menifee Jackie once again made lifetime friendships. After her beloved husband Hal's passing in 2002, Jackie carried on and made the best of life. She enjoyed new friendships and experiences, but no one ever replaced the love of her life, Hal.

Jackie had a beautiful, vibrant personality that even to her last days turned heads. She was often asked if she was a fashion model, and was blessed with creative talent in her approach to fashion and home décor. Jackies point of view and spirited sense of humor never failed to light up the room. She loved her family and friends deeply, she lived robustly, laughed often, and enjoyed a rich, full life.

Our lives were made better for knowing and loving Jackie.

I had to go, I had to dance

I had to have just one more chance

On earth my feet could dance no more

Now I dance on heaven's floor

No longer must I look above

Again I dance with my true love

That which below I could not do

Now I dance the whole night through