Ronald L. (Bill) Jacobs

Mr. JacobsRonald L. (Bill) Jacobs passed away peacefully at home on October 26, 2011, of lung cancer, surrounded by his loving family. Ronald was born on April 27, 1926 in Billings to Theodore and Audrey (Eddy) Jacobs. He attended school in Billings, met the love of his life, Magdalene Diebert, whom he married on June 18, 1947. To this union were born five children of whom he was very proud.

He was raised and worked on the family farm in the Huntley/Shepherd area, was a 4-H leader, and received an honorable discharge from the Navy Reserves. He was a certified mechanic, working for McBees Auto Shop, Rowan Motors and Lew’s Chevrolet, retiring after 28 years with the City of Billings in the Motor Pool. Bill was a member of Little Flower Church, Moose and Elk Lodges.

Bill’s passions centered around his wife, Maggie and his children and grandchildren, spending many hours with them camping, fishing and hunting. He loved working with his hands, nurturing his rose beds and making wood and metal decorations and birdhouses to give away. His greatest joy in life was watching his children and grandchildren grow and follow their dreams. Bill was the “Rock” of his family who taught his children the importance of family, to cherish the small and big moments in life and to take pride in a job well done. Bill and Maggie’s door was always open to anyone.

Bill is survived by his wife Maggie; five children, son David (Rosella) Jacobs, Denver CO; daughter Frances (Danny) Snowden, Albuquerque NM; son Daniel (Pairin) Jacobs, Mountain Home ID; son Darrel Jacobs, Fall City WA; and daughter Susan (Rod) Wilkerson, Billings MT; ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter; his sister Donna (Jack) Shannon, sister-in-law Claire Jacobs and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were a brother, Robert Jacobs, and a sister, Wanda Donovan.

The Family wishes to thank his caring doctors and the nurses of Journey Hospice for all their special care and compassion. A huge thanks to everyone who visited him and helped make his last days comfortable.

Vigil services will be held 7pm Sunday at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, and funeral mass will be celebrated 11am Monday at Little Flower Catholic Church with Rite of Committal at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Little Flower Catholic Church, Journey Hospice or the charity of one's choice.

We Love You and Will Miss You. . . . . “Always and Forever”!