Barbara Ann Jabs was born October 5th, 1940 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Esther Ruth and Edward William. She had two brothers Thomas Theodore and William, who was hydrocephalic and died as a young child. Barbara spent her early childhood in Oakley, Ohio. She later attended three different high schools: Millsbrae, Rocky River, Ohio and St. Louis, Missouri. Barbara attended Valparaiso University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education with a minor in art. Having no sisters, Barbara eagerly joined the Beta sorority, "so she would have a whole house full of them". The “sisters" affectionately nicknamed her "Barney".
Barbara met and married Ernest C. Jabs on June 10th, 1962. The couple headed west until they found jobs in Colorado. Barbara worked as an elementary school teacher in the Cherry Creek school district from 1962 to 1968. She then worked as a substitute teacher in the Denver school district from 1978 to 1991. Barbara had three children: Jennifer Ruth, Peter Randolph, and Ami Mara.
Barbara enjoyed many things in life; swimming, painting, and singing were her favorite activities. Because of her love of singing, Barbara was a member of The Lutheran Chorale for over 30 years, which enabled her to travel abroad.
Barbara was a dedicated member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She loved teaching Sunday school and teaching during VBS, in the summer months. She was also active in the LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League south central zone), Immanuel Lutheran Women's Guild and Immanuel board of education and stewardship.
Barbara was best known for her devotion and unwavering faith, her wonderful sense of humor, and her infectious laugh, all of which carried her through the many trials and tribulations of her life. The absolute joy of Barbara's life was when her first, and only grandson, Mason Earnest, was born February 4, 2002. The proud grandma was never without picture albums to show off her grandson, wherever she went.
Barbara was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2014 and in the same year placed into skilled and memory care at Brookdale Meridian in Englewood, Colorado where she was beloved by the staff who affectionately called her "Sweetie". She later died in loving care with her daughter Ami at her side on October 4th, 2019. She was 78 years old.
Barbara is survived by her her brother, Thomas Theodore; her children, Peter Randolph and Ami Mara; son-in-law, Keith Walter Robertson; and grandchild, Mason Ernest Robertson. She is also survived by her very close friends that were always a strong source of support for Barbara and her family.
A visitation for Barbara will be held Tuesday, October 15, 2019 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Olinger Chapel Hill, 6601 South Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121. A funeral service will take place at Olinger Chapel Hill on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at 10:00 am. A celebration of life reception will follow the service from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerchapelhill.com for the Jabs family.
PALLBEARERS
Peter Jabs
Eric Jabs
Mason Robertson
Keith Robertson
Jaime Navarez
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