Jacqueline McNaughten

Jacqueline “Jaci” McNaughten, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on March 12, 2025, at the age of 78. She was born on January 19, 1947, in Fairbury, Nebraska to parents, Jack and Lela Barber. Jaci led a life characterized by her unwavering kindness, dedication to family, and the countless friendships she forged throughout her journey.

Jaci graduated from the University of Nebraska with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She was a proud member of the sorority Pi Beta Phi.

Jaci went on to have a very successful career as an Advertising and Marketing Executive for McDonald's Restaurants across the state, which she managed for over 30 years. She was very respected and liked by her clients of local McDonald's franchise Owner/Operators, McDonald's Corporation, and adored by her coworkers. Jaci worked for Quillen Elsea Janzen advertising that handled the regional advertising for McDonald's restaurants. She continued to work in that capacity with other agencies over the years.

Jaci married the love of her life, Louie, 40 years ago. She successfully managed a family of four children while making every holiday and birthday celebration the best. Jaci and Louie had the best friend group, and they had a blast traveling the world with them, or just playing cards at home. No doubt they had some of the best times with their amazing friends. Jaci also loved her two dogs, Sugar Ray and Bogey Ray.

She was a good water skier and taught all four children how to water ski at the Lake of the Ozarks every summer. She also took her girls on birthday shopping trips to KC every summer.

Later on, into grandparenthood, Jaci continued many traditions, but she made them all the better for her grandchildren. Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, and of course the 5 for 5 Christmas present tradition. We made sure we never had balloons for decorations!

When she finally got her longed-for swimming pool, she was very excited! She loved being outside working on her flowers and plants. Not to mention she loved the sun. She was always a bronzed beauty!

Her fun with grandchildren continued as everyone grew and her favorite pastime was watching her grandsons play football and seeing her granddaughter cheer and dance. She was so proud of Kylen and John when they received their college degrees and was so excited when Jake and Blake graduated high school. She couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next for all of them.

There is no doubt she will be missed by many, but by her family the most.

Jaci is survived by her daughter, Jennifer McNaughten Zongker; her son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Doris McNaughten; as well as her cherished grandchildren, including Kylen Herzberg, John Biehler Jr., Jake Biehler, Blake Herzberg, Holden Zongker, and Palmer Zongker; and sister and brother-in-law, Cindy and Gary Nielsen.

Jaci was preceded in death by her loving husband, Louis McNaughten, and her son, Brian Cunningham. She also mourns the profound loss of her parents, Jack and Lela Barber, along with her daughter, Mindy McNaughten, and her nephews, Scott Nielsen and Craig Nielsen.

A Celebration of Life honoring Jacqueline McNaughten will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Cozine Life Events Center. Remarks will begin at 2:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities, 551 N. Hillside, Suite 102, Wichita, KS 67214 or online at www.rmhcwichita.org