In Memory: July 28

Jacquelyn Crick/Diltz died July 25, 2021, in Sebastian, Florida while surrounded by her loved ones, her family, and God.

Jacquelyn was born in Cheyenne County Kansas on a farm three miles from St. Francis, Kansas.  She was born to Neta Pauline Williamson/Raile (mother) and Chris Raile (father) on March 5, 1934. 

Jacquelyn attended school in St. Francis, Kansas until 1948 when the family moved to Bird City, Kansas.  She graduated from Bird City Rural High School in 1952.

Jacque married Russell E. Williams of Caldwell, Kansas that same year (1952).  The couple were blessed with three wonderful children – Patrick Kelly Williams, Vicki Jean Williams, and Alda Pauline Williams.

Jacquelyn began her college studies in 1963 at McCook Community College in McCook, Nebraska.  Jacque was a Phi Theta Kappa honorary student while attending McCook College.  Jacquelyn started her teaching career in 1965 as an elementary school teacher in Elwood, Nebraska.  While teaching, she continued her education at Kearney State College in Kearney, Nebraska finishing in 1968 with a major in both elementary and secondary education.  She also had a minor in Speech and Drama.  After graduating from Kearney State College, Jacque accepted a teaching position in Little River, Kansas, close to McPherson, Kansas where she and her children resided.  During her time in McPherson, she was very active in the community drama club, as well as all the school speech and drama activities in the Little River High School where she taught secondary English.  

In 1971 Jacque married Douglas E. Crick of McPherson, Kansas.  They lived for a time in McPherson, but in 1972, they moved to Brighton, Colorado.  They lived in Brighton for about six months then moved to Ft. Lupton, Colorado where Jacquelyn lived until she moved to Greeley, Colorado in 2008.

Jacque worked for Navajo Freight Lines, substituted and did tutoring for the Brighton School District.  Jacque started a community theater program that presented many plays in the community.

In 1985 Jacque and her spouse moved to Green River, Wyoming where she became interested in counseling.  Upon her return to Ft. Lupton, she went to Aims College to obtain her license to work in the drug and alcohol counseling field.  She continued working as a counselor until she was 70 years old when she retired.  During this time she was also active in the garbage disposal business that she and her son Patrick Williams ran from 1989 until 1998.  

Jacque was a student all her life.  After returning from Wyoming, she along with nine others, attended clown school.  The group formed the Front Range Town Clowns, and they were active in parades, grand opening, and performing for benefits.

Jacquelyn did a lot of volunteer work in the area, and in 1999 she was honored by Friends of a Woman’s Place as a “Woman of Courage.” A few years later she appeared as one of the readers in the play “The Vagina Monologues” which was the program for The Woman of the Year gala.  

Jacque loved to cook and entertain family and friends.  To that end, one of her finest awards came in 2003 when she became the Pickle Queen for having the best pickles in the Davis Pickle Contest.  Jacque also won first place for her bread entries at Trapper’s Day for six straight years.  Her deviled egg recipe was one of 10 published in the Rocky Mountain News.

Jacque was lovingly involved with the Ft. Lupton Red Hat Society Ladies from 2004 until 2008. 

Jacquelyn was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Ft. Lupton, Colorado for many years, and the United Methodist Women’s Organization.  She was Social Action Chairperson for many years and then became president in 2008. Jacque was presented with the Special Mission Recognition Award in 2008.  She was extremely honored by this award as a highlight of her life-long Christian duties.  

In her career in Colorado Jacque worked for Brighton School District, Ft. Lupton School District, Aims Community College, Yuma School District, Island Grove Drug and Rehab Outpatient Services, A Woman’s Place, Right to Read, Roth Range Behavioral Catholic Charities, and C.A.R.E.

Jacquelyn served on many boards and was involved in many volunteer activities.  

A few years after moving to Greeley, Colorado, Jacque again became involved with many activities at the Evans United Methodist Church.  She served as secretary on the Administrative Council, and she was the Events Planner for the monthly Bluegrass Gospel Jam that was held at the church.

Jacque volunteered for Senior Resources until her health prevented her from participating.  

In 2016 Jacquelyn and Glenn moved to Sebastian, Florida to enjoy the warmth of the sunshine and the closeness of her family.  What a “Great Life”.  

Jacquelyn J. Crick/Diltz is survived by her brother, Sid Raile (Madeline) of Vero Beach, Florida, her two daughters: Vicki J. Graham (Rob) of Sebastian, Florida and Alda Pauline Fagnant (Jim) of Sebastian, Florida.

Jacque had seven grandchildren; Ron Worley (Erin Brady) of Greeley, Colorado, Les Worley (Jenna) of Wasilla, Alaska; Patrick Williams, Jr. (Paula) of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Maria Williams (Will) of Ft. Lupton, Colorado, Cody Fagnant (Jami) of Seattle, Washington, Caroline Fagnant of Denver, Colorado, and Hank Fagnant (Vanessa) of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Her great grandchildren are Payton Worley, Brenden Worley, Aaron Worley, Lauryn Worley, Lincoln Worley, Elijah Williams, Gabrielle Williams, Savannah Young, Jack, Anthony, Lilliana, Isiah, Blake, Zane, Ryder, and Monroe.

Jacquelyn was preceded in death by her father, mother, sisters, and beloved son Patrick Williams.

A memorial service will be held at the Evans United Methodist Church of Evans, Colorado at a later time. In Lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to VNA Hospice in Vero Beach, Florida, or HALO Rescue in Sebastian, Florida, or The Cheyenne Animal Shelter in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

“Say Not In Grief ‘She Is No More’ But Live In Thankfulness That She Was”