Rose Jacobus

Rose Jacobus went to the loving embrace of her savior, Jesus Christ, on 8/28/2024. At the time of her passing, she was seven days shy of her 87th birthday. Rose is survived by her children and their families; Rhonda Ellis (Husband Mike, children Amanda & Jennifer), Bob Jacobus (Wife Pam, children; Joe, Pat, Nick, Tyrel & Maria and (2) great-grandchildren Carter & Braeden), Ruth Piccirillo (Husband Steve, children Ron and Anthony). She was preceded in death by her five siblings: Martin Graf, Robert Graf, Marita Polodna, John Graf, Donald Graf, and her husband Ronald L. Jacobus Rose Ellen Graf was born September 4th, 1937, in Caledonia Minnesota. In 1950 the family moved to Amboy, Minnesota where her father started a furniture and floor covering business, Graf's Home Furnishings, which supported three generations of her family until closing in 2019. Rose spoke fondly of her youth and loved growing up in Amboy. The adventurous and enterprising elements of her character defined her upbringing and experiences in this small Midwest town. She was a band majorette, played the clarinet, sang tenor in the choir, was a cheerleader, acted in school productions, and taught tap and traditional dance lessons to her peers. She loved to ice skate and often remarked that she "skated every night she could." She was self-supporting from the age of twelve working in grocery stores, a bakery restaurant, serving in the school cafeteria, and "babysat every kid in town." After high school Rose went to Lacrosse, WI to attend St. Francis Nursing School. While there she met her husband, Ron Jacobus, who served mass every morning at the Chapel in the hospital where she worked. Rose and Ron married in 1959 in Lacrosse, WI, and moved to San Fernando, CA where Ron worked for the Bendix Corp. When they were relocated to Ann Arbor, MI Ron changed professions and studied dentistry at the University of Michigan Dental School. For seven years Rose held their growing family together and supported Ron in his efforts to better himself and their family. No matter where they lived, from California to Michigan to Washington Rose worked with the same passion and joy that defined her entire life. She worked nights in California, and evenings in Ann Arbor and never relied on outside childcare. She would later remark, "Fortunately, I didn't need much sleep in those years." Moving West the Jacobus family settled in Twisp, WA in 1968. In 1969 they moved to Winthrop and built a Pan Abode home. After surviving 50-below-zero temperatures, a forest fire, and a barter system that included exchanging chickens for dental services the family moved to Wenatchee where Ron established a thriving dental practice in 1970. Rose continued to work in nursing at Central Washington Hospital, and then as an office manager at Ron's dental office. The family joined Holy Apostles Catholic Church as parishioners and Rose and Ron were the church's lone lectors for six months. Rose started a preschool program for church families and taught all levels of CCD. Rose was unconcerned with adherence to the old order, instead, she was steadfastly committed to sharing new ideas. There is no greater example of her independent way of thinking than when she established Therapeutic Massage in the office below Ron's dental practice. For twenty-eight years she helped many in our community to heal, reduce, and eliminate pain through massage therapy. Rose’s life's work was to help those suffering from pain. With her remarkably strong hands and uncommon determination she overcame the suspicion and misunderstanding surrounding massage therapy to bring relief and comfort to many. She will be remembered for her strong hands, strong personality, and even stronger character. She will be forever missed and loved by her family, her dedicated caregiver/friend Lourdes, and those whose lives she touched. The family would like to thank the Confluence Health Hospice team that so compassionately cared for Rose during her final days. A Rosary service will be held at Chapel of the Valley at 7 PM on 9/12/24. A Funeral Mass will be held in Rose’s honor at Holy Apostles Catholic Church at 11 AM on Friday, 9/13/24 with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Rose’s favorite charities; Young Ladies Institute, Queen of Apostles #243, or Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). Arrangements by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Rose Jacobus

September 4, 1937 - August 28, 2024