Reta M. Koepke

Reta Marie (Burkett) Koepke returned home to her Heavenly Father Thursday evening, January 3, 2008. Her death was due to complications after colon cancer surgery. She was born July 25, 1930, in Gibsonburg, Ohio, to Marian and Luther Burkett. Reta was a direct descendant of John Burkhardt, one of President George Washington's Lifeguards, which are today called Secret Service. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her younger brothers, Ray and Jim Burkett, all of Gibsonburg, Ohio. After graduating from Gibsonburg High School, Reta married George Franklin Koepke in 1948. They settled in Oak Harbor, Ohio, living with George's aunt, Elsie Meyer, until the house they were building was ready. This house eventually held five children, being remodeled and enlarged to accommodate their growing family. In 1964, the family moved to El Paso, Texas, and two years later to Houston, Texas, while George worked for NASA. Inheriting her love of children from her own mother, who cared for over 80 foster children as a widow, she created a day care in their home in 1967. She grew to love these children and their families and remained in touch with many of them throughout the years. Reta continued this work until she and George retired in 1978, after which they moved to the home they designed and built in Woodville, Texas. Known for her fine eye and decorating skills, she often helped friends and family with their design decisions. As active members in RV-ing clubs, she enjoyed traveling extensively with her husband throughout the United States and Canada. Her family and friends always looked forward to the arrival of their RV in their driveways for extended visits. She was a founding member and prior secretary treasurer of Faith Lutheran Church in Woodville, and a member of their Women of Faith organization which organized fund raisers and community outreach programs. She is survived by George, her devoted husband of over 59 years, and her five children: Pamela Rae, married to Phil Danley, of Kingwood, Texas; Wendy Kay, married to Mike Johnson, of Lindon, Utah; Robin Gay Hosea Meyer, married to Dave Meyer, of Nacogdoches, Texas; Kim Renee Koepke, married to Robert Johnson, of Houston, Texas; and Kevin Jay Koepke of Houston, Texas. Reta was a wonderful, loving grandmother to eight grandchildren, Rebecca (Danley) Bell, Jessica (Danley) Harriman, Sarah (Johnson) Taranto, Brandy (Hosea) Magdos, Brett and Natalie Hosea, and Jay and Autumn Johnson. She was a proud great-grandmother to Emerson and Cameron Bell, Matthew Magdos, Julianna Harriman and Sophia Taranto. Also surviving are her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Grayson & Dorothy Koepke, Oak Harbor, and nieces & nephews. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, June 14, 2008 at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Oak Harbor, with the Rev. Gene Hegemier officiating. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Oak Harbor. Crosser Funeral Home, Oak Harbor, is assisting the family with arrangements. Funeral Home: Crosser Funeral Home - Oak Harbor Chapel 301 N. Locust Street Oak Harbor, OH