Vicki B. Graf

Vicki B. Graf passed away on January 2, 2021 in Las Vegas NV from complications of COVID. Vicki was born on January 17th, 1942 to Dorothy Bonner and Paul Hopkins in Pocatello, ID. After attending Pocatello High School, she moved to Moscow, ID and graduated from Moscow High School in 1960. Vicki and her first husband, Richard T Jacobsen of Pocatello, ID, to whom she was married for 13 years, had three children - Pamela Sue Jacobsen Moats, Richard T Jacobsen Jr. (Bud), and Eric Ernest Jacobsen (Ez). Following several years raising their three children, she completed an undergraduate degree in Home Economics from the University of Idaho. She achieved a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from the University of Missouri in 1978 . Vicki had a varied career path, working at Monsanto Labs in Soda Springs, ID 1978-1980, as a school nutritionist for Boise School District 1980-1985, for the states of Arizona, California and the Veteran's Administration in Boise before working for the state of Idaho. Vicki's career brought her to The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Bureau of Health Promotion for several years during the 1990's. There she led the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program coordinated through the state's seven health districts. She then worked for several years as a Diabetes nutrition and control specialist for St. Luke's Humphries Diabetes Center. She taught diabetes education classes to groups and individuals, and provided individual counseling on weight loss, cardiac diets, Celiac disease, and other health conditions. She was a member of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. In 1974 Vicki married her second husband, Philip Graf to whom she was married for 26 years. The couple had 2 children, Mikel Tanaine Graf Beckham and Erynn Wales Graf. Throughout her life, Vicki's highest priority was her children. While in high school, Vicki enjoyed dancing and had hopes of becoming a professional ballet dancer, she frequently mentioned her mentor and ballet teacher, Ms. Pinkerton. However, following her marriage to Richard Jacobsen, she chose motherhood over a career. She loved her children, was proud of their individual accomplishments, and always did what she could to support them. As adults, her children were always welcome in her home, whether for a brief visit or for an extended stay when they needed shelter from whatever storm they were experiencing. She was always willing to share her time, home and resources. Community involvement was important to her. When her sons were young, she served as a Boy Scout Leader. While at the University of Idaho she joined a service sorority and hosted planning meetings at her home for sorority members. Her career also provided ample opportunity to help others. When Mikel and Erynn were young she supported them on swim team. Many afternoons were spent poolside cheering them on. Vicki was also an avid gardener and passed that skill on to Erynn. The family traveled often and made many scuba diving trips. Vicki had several talents in addition to dancing. Among them were all types of arts and crafts, including quilting, handmade glass jewelry, and sewing. Other interests included reading, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren. In addition to her talent as a dancer, she was an accomplished cook and baker. As a young wife and mother she contributed to the family income by baking and decorating cakes for special occasions for clients, of which she had many, and by teaching ballet lessons in her home. She is survived by her children: Pamela Sue Jacobsen (John) Moats of Boise, ID; Eric Ernest Jacobsen of Moscow, ID; Mikel Tanaine Graf (Brandon) Beckham of Las Vegas, NV; and Erynn Wales Graf of Boise, ID; her daughter-in-law Desiree (Martin) Jacobsen, widow of Vicki's son Richard T Jacobsen Jr., of Moscow, ID; her grandchildren: Richard Taylor Jacobsen of Albion, WA; Sidney Marie Jacobsen of Spokane, WA; Victoria Alexis Jacobsen and Eric Tyler Jacobsen of Moscow, ID; Elias Edward Beckham, Hannah Pamela Beckham and Gabriel Buddy Beckham of Las Vegas, NV; her great-grandson Brayden Taylor Jacobsen of Albion, WA; her brother Tebbin Salvesen (Susan) of California, step grandson Kevin James (Melanie) Moats of Boise and her beloved dog Pepper. She was predeceased in death by her parents and her son Richard T. Jacobsen, Jr. ----

Vicki B. Graf

January 17, 1942 - January 2, 2021