Jacob Weber

Jacob Edward Weber, 88, passed away peacefully at his home near Ritzville, Wash., on Feb. 12, 2025. Jake was born in Ritzville, Wash., on May 5, 1936, to Jacob A. and Margaret Weber.  

He lived most of his life at the family farm in Adams County. His growing up years included much time and many stories with his parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, brother Dave, sister Janice, cousins, friends, neighbors and many dogs, cats, horses and other critters.  

Living along U.S. Highway 10, he raised a large vegetable garden for commercial sale as a 4-H project. Jake participated in FFA during his time at Ritzville High School and enjoyed raising and riding horses for both work and pleasure. After graduating from RHS, Jake attended Washington State College and received his bachelor's degree in animal science in June 1958.  

In December 1958, Jake was drafted into the U.S. Army. He told his parents if there was a horse unit left, he’d find it, and he did! During his time in the Army, Jake trained horses and built jumps for the 1960 U.S. Modern Pentathlon team.  

Jake returned to the farm in 1960, where he farmed for the rest of his life. With his wife Alice and brother Dave, he raised hogs, cattle, hay and wheat. Jake’s proudest accomplishment in life was being married for over 56 years. Jake and Alice were married in Fortsville, N.Y., in April 1968. Jake said their anniversary was his favorite holiday of the year. He and Alice raised three daughters, actively participating in the Lutheran church, Washington Pork Producers, Wheatland Communities Fair, and the Adams County 4-H and FFA communities throughout the years.  

He loved visiting with all who came to the farm to buy his pigs. He enjoyed spending time with his daughters, sons-in-law and four grandchildren and loved family celebrations. The annual RHS Alumni Banquet was a highlight of each spring. Jake was actively raising livestock and drove his tractor almost daily.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob A. and Margaret Weber, and his brother, Dave.  

Jake is survived by his wife, Alice, daughters Ellen (David) Hein, Rebecca Weber, Hillary (Ted) Templin Arnold, sister Janice (Alan) Wright, nephew Steven (Chelsea) Wright, granddaughter Emma, and grandsons Thomas, August and Corbin.  

He was respected by all who knew him and will be missed by those who loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Wheatland Communities Fair c/o Jake Weber Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 14, Ritzville, WA 99169. 

Services will be held Wednesday, Feb. 19. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. at the Lutheran Cemetery on Bauman Road in Ritzville. A memorial service to follow at noon at Emainual Lutheran Church, Ritzville.