Jaclynn “Jackie” Anne Huntington

Born in Salamanca March 21, 1951, Jackie was the second of four children of Charles and

Joanne Huntington. She was a graduate of Little Valley High School and received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Chadron State College in Nebraska. Jackie had a gift for making children feel special. Her time as an art and computer teacher at Bluffs Middle School in Scottsbluff, Nebraska impacted the lives of many.

While studying at Chadron State College in 1971, Jackie met a fellow student, Ronald R. Hanshew, and they spent their time with friends going bowling and dancing in small towns in the panhandle of Nebraska. In spring of 1972, as she would say, the flower child married the cowboy. They had three sons: Ronald “Jamie,” Jason, and Justin Hanshew. Jackie supported her sons with gentle patience and love. She spent years as a wrestling mom and taught her boys beloved songs passed down to her from her father, Charles. Jackie and Ron divorced in 1986, and she remained in Nebraska until moving back to Western New York in May of 2021.

Jackie was very creative, enjoying hobbies including art, poetry, music, flower arrangement,

knitting, scrapbooking, and crafts. For a time, Jackie was very involved with the Society for

Creative Anachronism (SCA), an international living history group with the aim of studying and recreating Medieval European cultures and their histories before the 17th century. Jackie made her own Medieval outfits and earned the title of Lady, which is bestowed upon those who invest time and dedication to the SCA. She also learned fencing, archery, and armor making through the SCA and participated in tournaments throughout Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming.

Jackie expressed her deep love of her family through her creativity. She lovingly knitted

blankets for each of her children and grandchildren. She elaborately decorated for holidays and would host themed birthday parties and tea parties for her grandchildren and extended family.

Jackie is survived by her children Ronald “Jamie” (Bronwin) Hanshew of Vandalia, MT, Jason (Jennifer) Hanshew of Crookston, NE, and Justin (Christina) Hanshew of Oakland, NE; brother Jim (Janet) Huntington of Randolph, NY; sisters Judy (Bill) MacMillan of Salamanca, NY and Chris (Terry) Stark of Salamanca, NY; grandchildren Bryce, Jaydeen, Jacob and Jiles Hanshew, Michael (Carly) Kuxhausen, and Tayler (Christian) Van Cleave; great-granddaughter Laycie Kuxhausen; and several nieces and nephews.

Jackie is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Joanne Huntington.

A Memorial Mass/Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 18 at 11am at Our Lady of Peace Salamanca, NY

Arrangements are under the direction of Mentley Funeral Home Inc. 411 Rock City Street in Little Valley, NY