Thora Jane Jacob Wakamatsu
Thora Jane Jacob Wakamatsu
1936 ~ 2025
Thora Jane Jacob Wakamatsu was born on September 20, 1936 in Driggs ID, and raised in Washington state and Hood River OR. She survived the Depression, WW2, Hippie uprisings, and many other calamities that might have taken down any slighter human being. She was born 6th out of 9 children, to Luella Hall Jacob and Joseph Jacob, which made her a natural peace-maker and exceptional homemaker. She was a bookworm with an extensive library and she kept a personal Journal for her loved ones to peruse and devour… (now that the opportunity presents itself)
She had multiple rewarding hobbies which included; Crocheting, Knitting, Quilting, Gardening, Amateur photography, and Temple Work. There were always home-canned goodies at your fingertips, at any time of the year from her garden…obviously. She picked the choicest fruit from the family farm to can, as it preserved best. She had a natural sense of style that she translated into clothing that she sewed for her family. Always putting effort into making sure her family was as well dressed as possible was a must when going to Church or special occasions. Her “hand woven handicrafts” created cherished memories for those she loved, and many quilts and afghans grace the beds of her Children, Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren.
She married her “Hunk-of-a-Man” Johnny Wakamatsu in 1954. A year and three months later, they welcomed the first of their twelve children, the last making his debut in 1979. She and Johnny were married for 52 Earthly years and 71 Heavenly years. Jay (Candy), Jon Paul (Debbie), Charles (Renee), Roberta Bowman (Kevin), Robin Mountford (Kevin), Lincoln (Mary Lou), Roma Morgan (Dalon), Roland (Susan), Warren (Nanette), Reiko Moss (Dave), Rosanne Carpenter (Greg), and Joshua (Kori) compose their loving family.
Ice Cream, Board Games, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and Disney’s Wonderful World of Color were a Sunday evening staple. She was a Monopoly mogul, the Donald Trump investor of our gaming tradition, she was often the “Banker” because she was so shrewd and savvy at her game. We also remember the plentiful, meaningful and simple games she would play with us Children; Button-button, Mother May I, Old Maid and Chinese Checkers were favorites!
Mom, the family taxi-driver, was always on duty for the many trips to Seminary, Scouts, Dance Lessons, Piano Lessons, Sports and 4-H. Picking up a few extra kids on the way was not uncommon. What a blessing this was for her family!
Her “Home”…it was clean, laundry was done, dinner was on the table, the garden was weeded, the kids “Earn-Money” chart was on the wall. Self-reliance was an opportunity and concept that she lived…and she taught us to live it. As the “Accountant” on the family farm, she kept METICULOUS records. Those and the other household duties were tasks she took to heart, Her ledgers were a testament to her accountability and success of bringing in another Harvest.
She and Johnny also had the opportunity to serve a full-time local Welfare Mission. They assisted others in provident living and preparedness by serving in the Welfare Cannery. Temple Work was another way to serve, this time her Heavenly Father. She would leave for the Timpanogos Temple in the morning, as her shifts began early. She mentioned that walking down the staircase, in the morning, that the light would shine through the windows and create little precious rainbows that would dance on her clothing and skin, making her feel like the Princess that she was. Many of her offspring have expressed that increased blessings due to her service have been received.
She served in the DUP (Daughters of the Utah Pioneers) for quite some time. She was extremely proud of her Pioneer heritage and could name dozens of them who traveled across the plains to Utah. She also had numerous Pilgrim ancestors who traveled across the ocean to America on the Mayflower. Family History was a special treat that she worked on tirelessly for the generations to come.
Thora’s legacy includes; 12 Children, 41 Grand-children, 82 Great-Grand-children, and 4 Great-Great-Grand-children!
Thora has enjoyed good health over her lifetime, her healthy lifestyle and positive attitude has contributed to this feat. It was only in December that the chinks in her armor were revealed, and she was called home to be with her loving Husband and Heavenly Father on February 7, 2025. Our Mother was enough just being herself. For us as a family, she was the very best confidant, game partner, gardener, domestic goddess, cinnamon roll maker, and friend. For that we are all Eternally grateful.
Funeral services for Thora will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Cedar Hills 10th Ward Chapel, located at 9737 North Chesterfield Drive, Cedar Hills, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services at the church. Interment will follow services at the Highland City Cemetery.