Beth Hoekstra, 92, of Centralia passed away Friday, January 19, 2024, at HSHS St. Anthony’s Hospital in Effingham.
The youngest of five siblings, she was born on February 1, 1931, the daughter of Roy and Ona (Gass) Roe in Vandalia. She married the love of her life, Henry William “Bill” Hoekstra on March 9, 1951, in Filmore, and he preceded her in death on January 19, 2014.
Survivors who are grateful for precious memories shared with Beth include her beloved family, her three sons, Roy (Teresa) Hoekstra of Knoxville, Tennessee, Terry (Lisa) Hoekstra of Effingham, Illinois, and Mike (Cathy) Hoekstra of Centralia, Illinois; precious grandchildren, Jason (Julie) Hoekstra, Scott (Keely) Hoekstra, Tiffani (Justin) Roop, Jacob (Becca ) Hoekstra, Joseph (Emily) Hoekstra, Ryan (Hannah) Hoekstra, Lauren (Mike) Vogt, Toby Hoekstra, and Anna Hoekstra; cherished great-grandchildren, Joshua, Lainey, Holland, Fisher, Nathaniel, Samuel, Luke, Eliana, Alia, Matthew, Alex, Nora, Noel, and Izzy; dear sister, Vivian McFarland of Greenville; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Along with her husband, Bill Hoekstra, Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Ona Roe; 2 sisters; 1 brother and 1 grandchild Matthew, and 2 great-grandchildren Mabry Jane and Grace Elizabeth.
Beth’s faith was strengthened and grew as she devoted her life to serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus as a longtime member of Central City Baptist Church. She and her husband, Bill had a wonderful, loving marriage and were proud to raise their children, emulating lives lived for others, through their volunteer work and being a present encouragement by meeting the needs of others. Beth was an amazing cook, who loved to spoil her family and friends with her delicious chicken and dumplings and her famous, homemade Christmas cookies and candy. She enjoyed growing vegetables from her garden and loved the way the hummingbirds liked to visit her colorful flower gardens. Beth had a creative side and was extremely crafty. She enjoyed hours of sewing, knitting, and doing upholstery, making her space pretty. Beth and her husband Bill were expert travelers, camping in peaceful campsites all over the lower 48, amazed at the diversity of God’s landscapes. Her home was her heart, where she liked to feed the birds, watching for the vibrant red of the cardinal bird’s visits. Known as “Granny” to her darling grandchildren, Beth looked forward to her time spent with them as her heart was full of love for each one. Beth was a lovely lady inside and out, a loyal daughter of God, a nurturing and encouraging mother and grandmother, and a wonderful example to all.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 27, 2023, at Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with reverend Leland Redfern officiating. Interment will be held at 2:30 PM at Green Hill Cemetery near VanBurensburg, Illinois. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in
Beth’s honor to Love Packages which distributes new and used Bibles throughout the world. Online condolences and memories of Beth may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com. and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
