Gretta Fikse, 78, passed away on Monday, Dec. 2.
Born in Artesia CA on Oct 9, 1935 she was the oldest of five sisters raised on a family dairy. Her childhood was spent in Southern California and then the family moved to Escalon during her teenage years. Her beauty caught her future husband’s (Ed) eye at Calvary Reformed Church and he finally built up the nerve to talk to her at church camp. They married in 1955. Their Ripon home was quickly filled with six children and no shortage of chaos, laughter, love and cookies.
Over the years their family grew to include spouses, grandchildren, and pets and Gretta’s unlimited love embraced them all. Her strong faith was the cornerstone of her life. This was apparent through her living to serve others with many missionary efforts. She always had a joyful smile for those she encountered and she spent countless hours enjoying her hobbies. ‘Oma’ doted on her grandchildren, always in the audience at their special events and was so very proud of them all.
Their adventurous spirits led Gretta and husband Ed on many travels across the globe with their children, grandchildren, and friends, creating unforgettable memories. They equally treasured their time spent with their Pinochle group each month, nurturing those lifelong friendships. At Beth Haven she poured her heart into the meal she prepared for the residents, especially those special holiday “presentations”.
Survivors include her loving husband Edward Fikse, Jr.; children Cindy (Duane) Hoepker, Gary (Colleen) Fikse, Terri (Edward) Beeler, Karin (Nathan) Taylor, Beverly Fikse, and Kristen (Keith) Jackson; grandchildren including Katie James, Melissa, Tommy and Sam Fikse, Kevin and Brian Hoepker, Alexandra and Hannah Beeler, and Kaylah, Jordan and Kara Jackson; three great-grandchildren; her sisters Marty VanderWal, Margaret Moore and Linda Simpson, and many family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerrit and Martinet Vanden Bosch and her sister Anna Hofman.
Funeral services are under the direction of Deegan Funeral Chapel.
A Memorial Service will held on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. at Calvary Reformed Church in Ripon.
Donations can be sent in loving memory to Beth Haven, 368 Wilma Ave., Ripon CA 95366.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Dec. 11, 2013
