Catherine Riksen went to be with her Lord Oct. 23, 2008, with her family by her side. She was born Nov. 4, 1924, in Maple Lake, Minn., to John and Sara Vanden Hoek. She married Bernard Alvin Riksen Aug. 27, 1943, in the Oak Harbor First Reformed Church.

Catherine and Bernard made their home in Oak Harbor, raising two children here. Her passions were her gospel music, her family, flowers, and anything to do with serving Jesus. She was a positive, gracious lady of the highest moral character and longed to follow the Lord’s example. She has touched many lives and will be missed by all who knew her.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Core, and four sisters: Marie, Sara, Bertha, and Joanne, along with her beloved husband of 38 years, Bernard in 1981.

She is survived by her son Denny with his wife Gael of Graham; her daughter Cathy Lou Mouw with husband Bruce of Stanwood; along with three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Two sisters also survive her, Wilhelomina Roberts and Gertrude Vander Hoek.

A visitation time for Catherine will take place Friday, Oct. 31, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Burley Funeral Chapel. A private family burial will be held at Maple Leaf Cemetery Saturday, Nov. 1, followed by a memorial service at the Oak Harbor First Reformed Church at 3 p.m. that day, which will be followed by a reception at the church.

The family suggests memorials to Alzheimer’s research or Children of the Nations at 11992 Clear Creek Rd; Silverdale, WA 98383, in Catherine’s name. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, where you may visit www.burleyfuneralchapel.com to sign a guest register for Catherine.