Wilma KREBS

KREBS, Wilma
Passed away peacefully on the evening of July 10, 2012, in Santa Rosa, CA. Wilma, known as 'Willie' to her family and friends, was born November 20, 1920, in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. She was the daughter of Chester J. Smith, DDS, and Ada (Miller) Smith. She had three older brothers, Donald, Gordon, and Harry. They grew up in Burnaby, BC, a suburb between New Westminster and Vancouver. As a teenager, Wilma was selected to represent her high school and was present at the coronation of King George VI. She attended the University of British Columbia with a full scholarship and graduated with a BA. Wilma received a teaching fellowship to UC Berkeley where she lived at The International House. As a professor, Wilma taught economics and statistics at UCLA for several years after graduating from UC Berkeley where she later returned and earned a PhD in Public Finance & Fiscal Theory and Policy. Dr. Krebs joined the economics department at CSU, Sacramento in 1959 and became a full-time professor in 1966, teaching full-time for 17 years before retiring in 1983. After retirement, Krebs continued her work on campus as a member of the Faculty Early Retirement Program and was instrumental in developing the economics department courses in public finance and fiscal policy. She was an extremely popular teacher whose classes were always well attended and highly praised. Wilma helped to educate and train a number of students who went on to work for various agencies of the State of California, including the Legislative Analyst's Office and the State Department of Finance. She also taught at National University for a number of years. From her earliest days at CSUS, Dr. Krebs was known as an advocate for both faculty and campus employees. She served first as a member of the California State Employees Association Academic Society, which later became the California Faculty Association. She was the first Chairperson of the CalPERS Long-Term Care Advisory Committee and served as Secretary of the California Senior Coalition. Krebs also served as a HICAP counselor on subjects such as long-term care insurance and as a member on the Emeritus and Retired Faculty Association Legislation Committee. Dr. Krebs was also a member and President of her local League of Women Voter's chapter. Her professional experience also included the State Board of Equalization, Consultant to California Assembly on Revenue and Taxation, and Consultant to Department of Social Welfare and Governor's Conference on Aging. During her first marriage to Richard Mayers, Wilma gave birth to two children: David Mayers (Doreen), Aptos, and Susan Raymond, Santa Rosa, who remember her as a most wonderful and devoted mother. In 1972, Wilma married Robert Krebs, with whom she shared a beautiful and loving life for more than 40 years. Also surviving and remembering her fondly and with affection are her three step-sons: Ronald Krebs (Candace), Placerville, Gary Krebs, Citrus Heights, and Robert K. Krebs, Spencer, IA, and three grandchildren, Raku Mayers, Jolie Mayers, and Kainoa Raymond. Also surviving are a number of nephews and nieces and their families. Wilma and Bob loved to travel, going to Europe, Canada, and many National Parks, and in the summer of 1977, visited India as Fulbright Scholars. She became a skilled photographer later in life and enjoyed frequent trips to the ocean. Celebrating holidays, especially Thanksgiving and birthdays with family and friends, were a source of great joy for Wilma. She is remembered for always being cheerful, kind, fair, and a selfless advocate for all. Wilma passed away from Alzheimer's at Betsy's II Residential Care Facility, from where she received excellent care from its dedicated owners and staff for the past 33 months, in addition to Hospice Care provided by Heartland. Her family appreciates their outstanding services. At Wilma's request, no formal memorial services will be held. A celebration of her life by family and friends will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to a Scholarship Fund at CSUS, or charity of the donor's choice.