Jacobs, Elizabeth Jeanne

29 Apr Jacobs, Elizabeth Jeanne

Dec 6, 1927 – August 1, 2017

Elizabeth Jeanne King Jacobs, life long resident of Gaithersburg, MD., passed away peacefully at her home August 1, 2017. She was the wife of Dr. James W. Jacobs for 66 years.

Born Dec 6, 1927 at Irvington Farms, she was the devoted daughter of Elizabeth and Lawson King. Betty Jeanne’s upbringing on the family farm and her strong ties to the Methodist Church inspired her throughout her 90 years. This life experience became a significant influence on everyone who knew her.

Being raised on a Holstein farm in Montgomery County, when it claimed to have some of the most fertile farm land in the country, was a life that was filled with hard work and challenges. It was life when all farm children worked all year to show their prized animals, flowers, vegetables or handiwork at the Montgomery County Fair and if lucky enough, on to the state and beyond. It was a time when all farm families supported one another and came to each other’s side in time of hardship. It was a time when one farm adjoined another from Rockville to Frederick and when life was peaceful and full of hard work that never let up. A time when her family, like many others, gathered each Sunday for dinner after church. The meal was always prepared from what was available on the farm fresh, canned or frozen right off the land. The pantry and freezer were always full. She learned at an early age that there was always room for one more at the table.

When visitors or school groups came to Irvington Farms, Betty Jeanne was always there to lend a hand. Various agricultural organizations, or international farmers interested in all aspects of a large dairy farm operation were often fed after the tour. She was a faithful, loyal daughter there to assist her Mother with any preparation needed.

The 4-H club was another important aspect of Betty Jeanne’s life. As a child, she enjoyed showing her heifer and would encourage her own children and grandchildren in later years to join 4-H as well. Many of her life-long friends she met as a young 4-H member.

In addition to the farm activities, Epworth Church was a primary focus for Betty Jeanne. The Women’s Society for Christian Service, assisting at turkey dinners, or Lions Club dinners were just a few of the hours shared with her church family. It was there she met her husband and in those days where most couples met – at church or at school. Jake and Betty Jeanne raised their family in the same secure lifestyle that she knew so well and she continued to carry forward these values to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

She received so much joy from watching these 5th and 6th generations show their cattle at the Montgomery County Fair.

Betty Jeanne graduated from Gaithersburg High School and Penn Hall in Chambersburg, Pa. She was a member of the Gaithersburg Washington Grove Garden Club, a past President of Washington Grove PTA, served on the City of Gaithersburg’s Historical Committee and was a member of the Colonel Tench Tighman Chapter, DAR.

Mom (Nana) was a humble, faithful Christian who inspired all who knew her with her loving quiet ways. She enjoyed her flower gardens and her many trips with family and friends and especially vacations to her cabin in New Hampshire. We will always remember her wonderful holiday and birthday dinners adorned with a beautiful flower arrangement on her table.

She leaves her loving daughter Betsy J Rippeon and husband David, a son James W. Jacobs, Jr. and wife Peggy, a son, Jonathan Mark Jacobs, Grandchildren Jonathan Rippeon and wife Michelle, Michael

Rippeon and wife Deanna, Brian Jacobs and wife Ashely, John Jacobs and wife Emily, Caroline Horowitz and husband Ari, Courtney Jacobs, Jessica Bartlett and husband Brian and Tyler Jacobs. She also leaves Great Grandchildren Jacob Rippeon, Andrew Rippeon, Jackson Rippeon, Grady Rippeon, Maddie Rippeon, Allie Rippeon, Sara Kate Rippeon, Landon Jacobs, Tanner Jacobs, Clohoe Horowitz, Hudson Horowitz, and Wriley Jacobs.

Betty Jeanne is also survived by her sister Lois Aschenbach and husband Conrad and many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

She was predeceased by her husband, James W. Jacobs her parents Elizabeth and Lawson King and her brother William I King and wife Anna Mae.