Lacey Anne Youngblood-Hernandez

Lacey Anne Youngblood-Hernandez, 28, and her unborn child passed away on Tuesday, July 12, 2016. She will be available for viewing 1:00pm – 9:00pm, with the family present from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home on Friday, July 15, 2016.  A memorial service will be at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church at 3:00pm on Saturday, July 16, 2016.Lacey was born on September 13, 1987 in Dallas, Texas to Mark Youngblood and Kristy Marks. She graduated Northwest High School in Justin, Texas in 2006 and proudly served our country in the United States Air Force as Senior Airman.  She was fiercely independent, focused, driven and had a zest for life that was evident to all who knew her.  She had a way of touching your soul and leaving her love branded on your heart forever.Lacey had a deep desire to travel and started doing so at a very young age. She began taking mission trips, first to Mexico and then several trips to Honduras, where she helped deliver soccer gear for kids.  That love of travel took her to Santiago, Chile where she spent her junior year of High School as a foreign exchange student and met some of the best people.  She wanted more and the military gave her that luxury.  She spent time in London, Spain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.  She was able to spend six months deployed in Cyprus and loved it.  She began her career in the Air Force as a fuel system tech or as she liked to be called, a wing rat.  She later moved to inventory and supply chain and finally into safety, where she found her niche.  While in the Air Force she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health and graduated Magna Cum Laude at Columbia Southern University in October, 2015.  After her exit from the Air Force she wanted to get back to Texas and Midland became home.  She continued her safety career in the West Texas Oilfield as Southwest Area Manager for Tetra Technologies.  She was always trying to be the best she could be and had high aspirations for her future career.  She was an avid gamer, loved poker, movies and family game night.She married the love of her life, her high-school sweetheart, Rick, in 2006 before she entered the Air Force. It was an amazing love story.  Together, they enjoyed all sports, especially Frisbee golf and snowboarding.  They enjoyed being in each other’s space and were rarely seen apart.  They had the world by the tail and the only thing missing was a baby.  They began that journey and were so excited to be parents and expand their little family.  They received their hearts desire just a few short weeks ago and the celebration began.Lacey is survived by her loving husband Rick Hernandez of Midland, her mother Kristy Marks and partner Lesli of Midland, her father Mark Youngblood and partner Julie of Richland Hills, her siblings Maca, Carson, Maya and Jillian. She is also survived by her grandparents, Bobby and Loretta Marks of Temple, Tommy and Donna Youngblood of Helotes, her mother in law Irasema Tafoya of Watauga, father in law Roland Hernandez of Dallas, brother in law Vinsent and Catherine Hernandez, nephew Gabriel and niece Ava of North Richland Hills, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends that adored her.  Last but not least, her four-legged fur babies, Harley and Maya.Lacey, you and the baby left us behind for the glories of heaven, and as we struggle to pick up the pieces, we will honor both of you in our journey. The void in our hearts is deep but sweetheart we will soldier on like you would want us to.She was preceded in death by her Nana, Stella Jo Marks, and what a glorious reunion that was.The family would like to express their gratitude to everyone for the tremendous outpouring of love and support. And a special thank you goes to Tetra Technologies, everyone at St. Nicholas Episcopal, and Disciples of Grace Church.  It is obvious Lacey was loved by so many.If flowers are sent please direct them to St. Nicholas Episcopal Church in Midland. However, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to help Rick with medical expense through Crowdrise.  The link is:https://www.crowdrise.com/lets-help-rick-with-medical-expenses  ,