Jane H. Yarbrough

Jane grew up in Milwaukee, and was quite proud of her mid-western heritage. She fondly recalled that once the school year was over, the family spent the summer months on beautiful Pewaukee Lake. Surrounded by relatives and her sister Carol, there were many wonderful memories.

She went to college at The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Teachers College). She received her teaching degree, and was soon recruited by the State of California. Top teachers were needed to address the growing student population. She began her career in Belmont Shore California. Teaching was her passion, and she derived great joy from enhancing the knowledge of her many students.

Jane met her husband Douglas H Yarbrough on a blind date through mutual church friends. They raised their 4 children in Fullerton. Early in her career, she became involved in politics. She was elected the President of the Southern California Republican Women’s Organization. During this time, she had the opportunity to meet three different American Presidents. She took great pride in being selected to travel up the California coast to ask Mr. Ronald Reagan if he had interest in becoming the Governor of California.

After 10 active years in politics, Jane resumed her teaching career at Hermosa Drive Elementary, in the Fullerton School District. She soon recognized a need for better library facilities. She decided to go back to college, and attained a Master’s Degree in Administration from USC. Upon completion of her degree, she was appointed director of Media Specialist’s for the entire district. She designed all of the media centers in the district, including an emphasis on art, literature and stronger resources for learning. Later in her career, she taught at Cal State Fullerton in the education department. Her focus at Cal State was preparing student teachers to enter the teaching profession. One of her last engagements was acting as a consultant to San Diego County, setting up new libraries for area schools.

In retirement, Jane loved her quiet time. She was an avid reader of the Wall St. Journal. She remained active reviewing books for local libraries, and also read favorite books to the local students. She cherished the many “Thank You” notes from the children that enjoyed her readings. Jane traveled to 15 different European countries in her lifetime, always with a journal in hand to record her adventures and favorite spots. She was a 70 year active member of Saint Andrews church in Fullerton, and was a devoted member of the “soup kitchen”, helping feed local residents from 1987 until she turned 91 years old!

She loved all things California. Traveling to the desert to see wildflowers, camping in the Sierra’s above Bishop, and a quick visit to the local bakery for a bit of chocolate were lifelong pleasures. Her quiet, thoughtful, loving demeanor is a beacon of light that will inspire our family for generations. Mom’s legacy is her family. She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren a great deal.

Jane is survived by her son’s Mark (Robyn), Claude (West), daughter Jane Y. Shreve (Michael); 4 grandchildren: Natalie, Michael, Ian and Connor: and 3 great grandchildren: Cameron, Nanami and Vivian. She was predeceased by her husband Douglas and son John and sister Carol Purkis (Ronald).

A Memorial is planned at a future date at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Fullerton. For those who wish to honor Jane with a charitable contribution, please consider a donation to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 1231 E. Chapman Ave. Fullerton 92831 or “All the Arts for All the Kids”, Fullerton School District. 1401 W. Valencia Drive. Fullerton, Calif. 92833.