Kathleen Rose Jeffords

Kathleen Rose Jeffords (1946 – 2023) Kathleen Jeffords of Phoenix, Arizona died peacefully at home on August 25, 2023. She was 77 years old. Kathy described herself as a lucky woman. In her own words: “I was married to a funny, interesting, adventurous man, had a job I liked, and enjoyed many gatherings and parties with friends and family.” Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kathy was the daughter of Mary and Harold Jeffords and the second of their four children. Moving Southwest with her family in 1959, Kathy remained a lifelong Arizonan. After graduating from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s degree in education, and a master’s from Arizona State University, Kathy pursued a career in elementary education, teaching several generations of children at Arroyo Elementary in the Washington Elementary District 1973-2000. A naturally gifted people person with a winning smile and a loveable optimism, Kathy endeared herself to students and colleagues alike, donning the beloved outfits she selected to match the themes of her lessons, which became a favorite trademark. She fell in love with and later married Robert (Bob) Skrovan, with whom she shared an enduring passion for travel, exploration, nature, and history. They were married for over thirty years, until Bob’s death in 2007. Kathy continued to thrive, joining the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Sisterhood, an international women’s organization that focuses primarily on providing educational opportunities for women students worldwide. An active member in the P.E.O. AC Phoenix chapter starting in 2012, the affiliation brought her joy and purpose. Kathy moved to the Beatitudes in 2020, and became a mainstay at the campus, making friends and participating fully in the many activities available to her. She cherished her home there, where she contently spent her final years. Kathy’s family and many friends will remember her fondly for her genuine kindness, loving nature, and thorough goodness. She is survived by her siblings Elin Jeffords, John Jeffords, Mark Jeffords (Pamela Hizel); niece Shelly Jamison (Victor Armendariz), great nieces and nephews Jake Jamison, Jamie Jeffords (Anthony Berger), Max Jamison (Danielle Flink), Ali Jeffords, sister-in-law Sharon Jeffords, her P.E.O. Sisters, and countless friends and loved ones. Donations may be made in Kathleen Jeffords’ memory to Cottey College on the P.E.O. website at peointernational.org. A memorial service for Kathleen will be held on Saturday September 23, 2023, at 2:00pm at the Beatitudes Life Center on the Beatitudes Campus at 1610 W. Glendale Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021