Gretta Claire (Camron) Signer, died on Monday, September 22, 2008 at Pleasant View Nursing Home in Monroe. She had been in failing health for a number of years. Joseph A. Signer, her husband of 58 years, predeceased her on May 18, 1989. Gretta was born on July 10, 1909 and was the first child of William H. Camron and Marthena K. "Kate" Thorp Camron. She grew up on the family homestead and attended local schools after which she learned a myriad of domestic skills on the farm. She and Joseph were married in Dubuque, Iowa, and farmed for 50 years in Clarno Township. They retired to a home in Monroe in 1984. She was the last living member of her family, having been predeceased by a sister Ilo A. (Alfred) Gutzmer in 2001, and two brothers, Daryl T. (Dorothy) in 1996 and Hugh F. in infancy.
Gretta and Joe were the parents of a large family. In birth order the children are Ulonda M. Dietmeier of Monroe, Donna K. (Donald) Young of Fredericton, N.B., Canada, Kathryn C. Signer (died Jan. 16, 1994), Neil H. (Nancy) Signer of Monroe, Dean W. (Deanne) Signer of Monroe, Elaine E. (James) Haddock of Cleburne, TX, Nyla R. (Aaron) Levy of San Francisco, CA, Dale A. (Karen) Signer of Browntown, and Gwen (Phillip) Robl of Madison. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.
Gretta was a member of the Fairfield Evangelical U.B. Church for much of her life, and transferred to East Clarno United Methodist Church when Fairfield Church closed. She was an active participant in both churches, serving in a number of positions. Her life centered around her family, her community and her church. She was a renowned cook and baker, an expert needlewoman, a nurturing mother and a devoted grandmother.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2008, at the East Clarno United Methodist Church, Clarno Township. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe, followed by a luncheon at the church. A visitation will be held at the NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, Monroe, on Thursday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Gretta's name to the East Clarno Church or the charity of your choice.
To sign the online guestbook go to www.newcomerfuneralhome.net
Gretta and Joe were the parents of a large family. In birth order the children are Ulonda M. Dietmeier of Monroe, Donna K. (Donald) Young of Fredericton, N.B., Canada, Kathryn C. Signer (died Jan. 16, 1994), Neil H. (Nancy) Signer of Monroe, Dean W. (Deanne) Signer of Monroe, Elaine E. (James) Haddock of Cleburne, TX, Nyla R. (Aaron) Levy of San Francisco, CA, Dale A. (Karen) Signer of Browntown, and Gwen (Phillip) Robl of Madison. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.
Gretta was a member of the Fairfield Evangelical U.B. Church for much of her life, and transferred to East Clarno United Methodist Church when Fairfield Church closed. She was an active participant in both churches, serving in a number of positions. Her life centered around her family, her community and her church. She was a renowned cook and baker, an expert needlewoman, a nurturing mother and a devoted grandmother.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2008, at the East Clarno United Methodist Church, Clarno Township. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe, followed by a luncheon at the church. A visitation will be held at the NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, Monroe, on Thursday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Gretta's name to the East Clarno Church or the charity of your choice.
To sign the online guestbook go to www.newcomerfuneralhome.net