Frances Jacqulin Heath

Frances Jacqulin “Jackie” Boyd Heath

December 13, 1939 – September 20, 2025

Frances Jacqulin “Jackie” Boyd Heath, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025, at the age of 85. Jackie was a radiant soul whose smile and laughter could light up any room. Her nurturing spirit, wisdom, and unwavering kindness touched the lives of all who knew her. She was an advocate for others, a lifelong lover of animals, and, to many, the very image of the perfect human being welcoming all with open arms and a warm heart.

Early Life and Family Jackie was born on December 13, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Francis David Boyd and Bertha Day Edgarly Boyd. She grew up alongside her sisters Joan, Gale, and Pamela. As a little girl, Jackie was spirited and playful, even as she struggled with her thick glasses she disliked so much. She and her sisters Joan and Gail were inseparable—partners in both mischief and joy. They shared childhood adventures, including summers spent in the Ozarks with their great-aunt Hattie and Uncle Charlie. There, they learned to milk cows, gather eggs, embroider, and explore the woods, always under Uncle Charlie’s careful guidance and love. With Jackie on his shoulders and one on each hand, these summers in the log cabin that dated back to the civil war, without electricity or running water became some of Jackie’s most treasured memories, filled with laughter, learning, and love When the family moved to El Paso, Texas, Jackie and Joan continued their close bond, walking to school together, attending church, and caring for a little puppy that miraculously survived an illness thanks to the kindness of a local vet. Life took them back and forth between Missouri, Texas, and New Mexico, with Jackie attending multiple schools along the way. Eventually, in her senior year, Jackie enrolled at Grants High School in New Mexico—where fate brought her to meet the love of her life, Melvin J. Heath.

A Love Story and Life Together Jackie and Melvin were married soon after graduation in Grants, NM, beginning a love story that endured through decades. They built their home in Prewitt, NM, and welcomed their first child, Randy Lee, in 1958, followed by their daughter Sandra Lynne in 1960. Their journey together took them to Wyoming, Utah, California, and back again to New Mexico, with each move marking a new chapter of family, hard work, and cherished memories. Jackie worked diligently throughout her life—first at Kerr-McGee, then in the purchasing department at the Homestake McLaughlin Gold Project alongside her husband and daughter Sandy, and later as an administrative secretary at Grants High School and San Rafael Elementary. At San Rafael, she became the very heart of the school, her warmth and care touching generations of students and families. She retired from the Grants Cibola County School system in 2012, but her dedication to her community never stopped. She served as an officer with the Cibola County Historical Society and the Ojo Del Gallo Irrigation System, continuing to give of herself long after retirement.

Her Legacy Jackie will be remembered for her infectious laughter, her nurturing heart, and her ability to make every person feel welcomed and loved. She lived a life of grace, generosity, and joy—always lifting others up, always giving her best advice, and always loving deeply.

She is survived by her daughter Sandy L Heath Franklin; her bonus daughter, Krystal Santistevan; her daughter-in-law, Sally Palaia; her sister, Joan Von Wolff; grandchildren Amy Friend, Lacey Franklin, and Bryce Franklin; grandson-in-law Byron Popplewell; bonus grandchildren Emera Santistevan and Jessica Stelly; and great-grandchildren Zoe and Chloe Friend and Logan Popplewell. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and countless friends who adored her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin J. Heath; her son, Randy L. Heath; her parents, Frank and Bertha Boyd; her sisters Pamela Kay Blakeman and Gale Barnes; and her granddaughter Belinda Mae Fulwider.

Pallbearers: Carlo Heath, Sam Heath, Leroy Worthen, Donald Worthen, Richard Von Wolff, Nick Von Wolff

Honorary Pallbearers: David Barnes, James Garden, Jeff Garden, Karl Von Wolff, Kerry Worthen, Bo Worthen, Dee Worthen, Byron Popplewell, Logan Popplewell, Bob Roland, and Rocky Huffman

Her light will forever shine in the lives she touched. Jackie’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and unwavering kindness—and she will be deeply missed.

A viewing will be held at the Mt Taylor Funeral Home Chapel located at120 N 3rd Street Grants NM September 24, from 5pm to 6pm.

With the celebration of life taking place on September 25, at10am at the First Baptist Church located at 224 Mt Road Grants NM, burial and reception to follow.

** The family asks that in Lui of flowers donations be made to the Cibola Historical Society 525 W High Street, Grants, NM PO Box 346 Grants NM 87020 Jonnie Head 505-290-0171 **