Yvonne Thomas Jarvis Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Yvonne Camella Thomason was born in 1935 Oklahoma, and grew up in Blythe, California. At 17, she fell deeply in love, marrying a handsome Air Force Sergeant named Stan Thomas. After the Korean war, their family began (son Da vid and daughter Kim were born) at U.C.L.A. where Stan earned his Business degree. After some years in San Rafael where son Craig was born, they then permanently settled in Santa Barbara (where twins Matt and Doug were born). Those who knew Von described her as classy and stunningly beautiful. A stay-at-home mom for over a decade, Von enjoyed many arts and crafts hobbies, was a skilled seamstress and cook (the famed family Cheesecake Recipe); a calm nurse for accident-prone sons; and an unparalleled Hostess (her hospitality was legend, as were her holidays and birthday parties). She loved long mountain walks, dancing and later, Jazzercise classes. The Thomas family actively participated at Trinity Baptist Church and enjoyed watching their children excel in academics, sports and music through the Santa Barbara schools. Von modeled in annual Fiesta events, was President of Mothers of Twins Club, was devoted to Bible Study Fellowship and was a key-note Speaker at Christian Women’s Club Luncheons throughout California. Von later became a Broker, following her husband’s lead into her mother-in-law Iola Thomas’ family firm, Thomas Real Estate. With her strong work ethic, business sense and genuine care for people, Von excelled in Residential Sales, joining the “million dollar sales club” her first year. After 25 years of a wonderful marriage, Von was widowed at age 45, only weeks before her first grandchild was born. Years later, one of the most prestigious and respected lawyers in Santa Barbara, Charles Jarvis, swept Von off her feet, and she remarried on July 5th, 1986. They spent the first 10 years renovating the Thomas family home in the Montecito foothills and traveling the world: Russia, China, France, Spain, Africa. Then as Von was diagnosed with “early onset” Alzheimer’s at age 59, Chuck became her faithful Caregiver until his passing in 2006. Yvonne went to be with the Lord July 11th, following a 21 year battle with Alzheimer’s. She was peaceful in her death, surrounded by her family, and is now in heaven, surrounded by her family there. Von is predeceased by her first son, David and both her husbands. She is survived by sons Craig, Doug and Matt Thomas; daughter Kimberly. Currently, Yvonne has 22 grand and great grandchildren, who she would humbly say are her Legacy. But Von’s own strength of character also inspires her legacy: her “fighting spirit”; perseverance in prayer; unshakable faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; and her incredible, sacrificial Love. All are welcome to an 11 a.m. Memorial Service on Saturday, July 30th at Calvary Chapel Church of Santa Barbara (preceded by private family services at Welch-Ryce-Haider and Santa Barbara Cemetery.)

Yvonne Thomas Jarvis

September 4, 1935 - July 11, 2016

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