Jacqueline Kindred

Jacqueline Jean Kindred (aka Jackie, Jackson, Hubbard, Hub, Grandma, Grandma Jackie, Grackie), the undisputed Queen of Blaine Street and collector of more chicken related decor than anyone should legally own, finally succumbed to a plethora of medical issues at age 81, not 82 as she insisted, January 31, 2025.

Known for her cooking, baking, and endless pursuit of the next best recipe (which was usually the same recipe with more butter), Jackie’s home was the center of family life until the grandkids arrived. At that point her focus shifted entirely, and her children were relegated to the background where they belonged. Great grandkids? Even better. She checked the computer multiple times per day for new photo postings.

She knitted her own socks, had 3 kids and grey hair by age 25, and managed to remain the biggest Neil Diamond fan in existence. With 86 cousins and no fewer than 5 aunt Marthas, family reunions were a North Dakotan adventure. 

She had strong opinions about everything, whether you wanted to hear them or not. She was a stickler for rules of card games or an ass-chewing would definitely occur. In fact, she refused to play when her kids and grand kids tweaked the rules a tad. If you parked in front of her house without prior approval, you received an ass-chewing you may not have known about. 

Jackie spent a small fortune on allium bulbs, wind spinners, and stocking up on gizzards for Thanksgiving dressing, because nothing says “holiday spirit” like a freezer full of poultry innards. Her annual outdoor Christmas tree display earned her actual fan mail and a front page photo story in the Missoulian, proving that half priced after Christmas sales can still light up your life. 

Jackie leaves behind a legacy of laughter, legendary Christmas decorations, and an ungodly amount of chicken figurines. While we suspect she is already critiquing heaven’s recipe collection, we take comfort in knowing she has finally found the only place dandelions and wind spinners cannot take over her yard. 

In lieu of flowers, plant an allium bulb and turn on some Neil Diamond music. 

Jackie is survived by three children, a totally likable son-in-law who shortened “Hubbard” to “Hub” because, honestly, who needs the extra syllable, nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and friends far and wide. 

P.S. Was this satirical and sarcastic enough for you Hub?

 A celebratory gathering of friends and family will be held May 17, 2025 at 1:00pm in her haven (back yard)