Obituary for Jackie VanBuskirk

Jackie VanBuskirk, 58, of Payson, lost her courageous battle with cancer on July 6, 2013.
She was born on Jan. 25, 1955 in Phoenix, and is the daughter of Allen Eugene VanBuskirk and Frances (Payne) VanBuskirk of Gisela. She spent her younger years growing up in Phoenix and most of her adult life in the beautiful town of Payson..
Mrs. VanBuskirk was preceded in death by her father and grandparents.
Survivors include her son, Brian “BJ” VanBuskirk (Jennifer) of Strawberry; her beautiful granddaughter, Kendellyn VanBuskirk; mother, Frances VanBuskirk of Gisela; sisters, Victoria Ashing (Jerry) of Glendale and Julie White (Marcus) of Surprise; brother, Dan VanBuskirk of Gisela; and many nieces and nephews who will miss hearing about her hiking adventures.
She was a free spirit who loved spending time outdoors in nature. Mrs. VanBuskirk loved hiking, biking, running and sharing her love of birds with her granddaughter Kendellyn.
She was a track star in her youth and never lost her love of running and watching track and field events.
“We will miss her so much but know that she is now free from the pain she has suffered over the past year. The family would like to thank the Payson Christian Clinic and Dr. Hunt for all they did to help and care for Jackie during her time of need. The family would also like to thank all of the people associated with Payson Hospice who provided care, companionship and comfort to Jackie when she needed it most,” writes the family.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 13 at the Payson Christian Clinic, 701 S. Ponderosa St.
Donations in Mrs. VanBuskirk’s name may be made to the Payson Christian Clinic or the Payson Hospice Compassus.