Jacqueline Rae Dillingham Obituary

Description: Jacqueline Rae Dillingham Obituary... Our Heartfelt Condolences To Her Loved Ones...

Jacqueline “Jackie” Rae Dillingham

November 11, 1946 — May 29, 2026

Fowler

Obituary

Jacqueline “Jackie” Rae Dillingham, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and pillar of the Fowler community, passed away at Pioneer Health Care Center in Rocky Ford on May 29, 2026 at the age of 79. Born on November 11, 1946, to Eldon F. Griswold and Virginia Isabel (Fouch, Griswold) Massick, Jackie lived a life full of love and compassion for others, and she was loved by many.

Throughout her life, Jackie embraced many roles, including nurse, in-home sales consultant, restaurant owner and manager, waitress, 4-H leader, and Scout leader. No matter the position she held, her greatest passion was serving others and supporting her family and community.

Jackie was deeply involved in her children's lives, dedicating countless hours as a 4-H leader, Girl Scout leader, Boy Scout leader, and attending school/sporting events. She began her nursing career at Pioneer Health Care and concluded it at Fort Lyon Veterans Hospital. Tragically, injuries sustained in a devastating house explosion in 1983 forced her to retire from nursing earlier than planned. However, this setback never diminished her determination or her commitment to others.

Even after leaving the nursing profession, Jackie continued to devote herself to her community through volunteer service. As a 4-H and Scout leader, she taught not only her own children but also countless young people valuable life skills, leadership, responsibility, and compassion. Her dedication earned her numerous awards and recognitions as a Scout leader, but her greatest reward was witnessing the accomplishments and successes of her children and grandchildren.

Jackie's kindness and generosity were evident in every aspect of her life. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, offer a listening ear, or provide support to those in need. Her love for others was so genuine and far-reaching that few people simply called her Jackie; to many, she was known affectionately as "Mom" or "Grandma."

Yet for all of her accomplishments, Jackie would tell you that her greatest achievement was the family she built with her husband, James. She married James Dillingham on October 10, 1965, in La Junta and from that day forward, they shared a partnership built on love, devotion, and mutual support. Together, they raised six children, and Jackie took immense pride not only in raising them but in watching them grow into remarkable individuals with families and lives of their own. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the true measure of her success, and they never doubted how deeply they were loved.

Jackie was preceded in death by her husband, James Dillingham (May 11, 2026); her parents, Eldon F. Griswold and Virginia I. Massick; her brother, Mark Massick; and her grandson, Richard James “RJ” Dillingham.

She is survived by her sisters, Dyann Fowler and Kimberly Massick, Brothers Vaughn Griswold, Robert Griswold, and Brian Griswold, 6 children: Jammie (Dale) Fellhauer, William (Gidget) Dillingham, Penny (Larry) Haley, Scott (Starla) Dillingham, Chelie (Doug) Hudson, Hollis (Mary) Dillingham, 18 grandchildren: David (Shambrey) Dillingham, Kjellanda Aragon, James (Jameri) Aragon, Travis (Hailey) Aragon, Marisa (Kiel) Rafferty, Jessica (Matt) Breuer, Miles (Melissa) Dillingham, Casey (Brandon) Garcia, Cheyenne Cook, Randarae-Lynn (Chris Schweizer), Lane Dillingham, Chance Dillingham, Brayden Dillingham, Morgan (Garrett) Ross, Kori-Beth (Marcos) Rodriguez, Colleen-Janae (Brian) Fage, Justin-Curtis Hudson, John Hollis "JH" Dillingham, 39 great-grandchildren.

Jacqueline Rae Dillingham left this world much as she lived her life—surrounded by love and leaving behind a legacy of compassion, service, and unwavering devotion to family and community. She lived with purpose, measuring success not by personal achievements or material possessions, but by the lives she touched, the people she helped, and the relationships she nurtured. Her kindness, strength, and generous spirit will continue to live on in those who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives were enriched by her presence.

Bellwood Ustick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial Service

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026

9:00 - 10:00 am (Mountain time)

Tweet