Loretta F. Harkema

May 30, 1931 - October 18, 2016

Loretta FrancisHarkema 1931 – 2016 Passed away in her sleep on Tuesday, October 18, 2016. Born Loretta Francis Phipps in Alamosa, Colorado on May 30, 1931 to her Mother, Lora Mae Phipps and Father, Thomas Milton Phipps. She attended school at Chama Elementary, Renne Jr. High and Eureka High. Her favorite subjects were science and music. Loretta married Howard George Harkemaon August 4, 1950 and lived in Oakland, California where Howard was stationed in the service of the Navy. The couple moved to Newberg, Oregon in 1955 with two year old son, Howard Harkema, Jr. in tow. They had another son, Dennis Harkema in 1955 and daughter, Catherine Harkema-Richardson in 1957. Together they built a good life in Newberg, raised their children and were in service to family, friends and community in too many ways to mention here. Loretta was a seamstress and designed and sewed incredible clothing and costumes for many of those she loved. Loretta was an avid camper, outdoors person andfisherwoman,catching trout, steelhead and salmon was in her blood and a joy for her. She loved gardening, she canned fruits, vegetables and made jams and jellies. She also loved music and especially Elvis Presley. Loretta was a great roller skate pairs-dancer and loved dancing. Loretta loved the Lord and was a member of the Latter Day Saints Church until her passing. Loretta was widowed in 2001 when husband Howard passed away. Loretta has a surviving brother Joseph Phipps, sons Howard and Dennis, daughter Catherine. Loretta was a very loving, caring mother, grandmother to seven grandchildren,Jenifer Harkema-Aarness, Christopher Harkema, Wendy Brown-Kreider, Cory Brown, Julian Harkema, Sarah Richardson-Frampton, and Laura Harkema. Great grandmother to twelve great grandchildren Keilah, Travis, Aaron, Jerimiah, Dylan, Elizabeth, Heavenly, Jerry, Clara, Analeigha, Isaac and Cooper.