Jackalyn Laxalt, 77; First Lady of Nevada From 1966 to ’70
Jackalyn Laxalt, 77, who was first lady of Nevada from 1966 to 1970 when she was married to former Gov. Paul Laxalt, died of respiratory failure Saturday in a Reno hospital.
The former Jackalyn Ross was born in Yerington, Nev., and raised in Carson City, where her father, John R. Ross, was a prominent attorney and federal judge. She studied at the University of Nevada, Reno, and married Paul Laxalt, who went into law practice with her father.
During the 25-year marriage, which ended in 1972, she helped her husband become one of the state’s most popular elected officials. He served as lieutenant governor, governor and U.S. senator.
After her divorce, Jackalyn Laxalt moved to Scottsdale, Ariz., where she overcame alcoholism. She spent the remainder of her life counseling others with substance abuse problems in Arizona and Nevada.
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