Wanda Lee Jacobs

Wanda Lee Jacobs of Litchfield Park, Arizona passed away peacefully at home after 97 years of a full, loving and adventurous life surrounded by family and friends on February 17, 2020. She is survived by son Milton, (daughter-in-law Sherie); Robert (daughter-in-law Tina); and Kenneth; and brother James Templeton. She is also blessed with five grandchildren: Wendy, Justin, Kellie, Mitchell and Nathan; two great grandchildren: Emma and Abby, and many other family and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband of seventy-one years, Robert “Bob” Jacobs.

Wanda was born December 7, 1923 in the little town of LaJunta, Colorado. Her early years with her family were somewhat nomadic, moving from town to town in Colorado, Arizona and Oklahoma until she finally established roots in the West Valley in Tolleson, Arizona. She graduated valedictorian from Tolleson Union High School in 1941 and went to work as a secretary. Shortly after graduating she met and married her life-long love, Bob Jacobs. They raised a family of three boys in what was then North Phoenix near 20th street and Osborn.

Wanda always wanted to be a teacher but never had the money to go to college after graduating high school, or the time after she married and started raising a family. She finally got the chance to attend college after the kids got older and well into her middle age, graduating with honors from ASU with teaching credentials. She got a job teaching for Litchfield Park Elementary School and they then returned to the West Valley moving to Litchfield Park. She taught for more than 20 years at the school and continued after retirement to work with children as a tutor for many years.

Wanda and Bob were very active in The Church at Litchfield Park. They served the church for many years establishing many close friends. Wanda’s first and foremost job was that of a mother. She provided a wonderful loving family environment for her kids and husband. She lived an adventurous and fulfilling life with Bob and her kids camping, boating, and exploring the wildlands of Arizona. She and Bob hiked rim-to-rim-to-rim of the Grand Canyon twice in their sixties and went to China in their late seventies. After Bob passed her friends, neighbors, and caregiver Rachel became her second family providing support, friendship and companionship in her later years enabling her to remain in her home. She will be missed dearly by her family and the many friends and pupils that she touched and influenced positively throughout her life.

No services are planned at this point because of the current pandemic situation. In lieu of flowers please send donations to The Church at Litchfield Park, 300 N. Old Litchfield Park Road, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340, or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014.

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