Fredda Jane Doerksen

Fredda Jane Doerksen, 71, of Eudora, KS, passed away on August 20, 2019 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Fredda was born on November 25, 1947 to Charles Richard and Ines (Spomer) Watkins in Berkley, CA. She joined brothers Larry and Richard. 18 months later her only sister Sandra was born. Fredda grew up in California and graduated from DeAnza high school in Richmond, Ca.

In order to pursue a career in education, Fredda enrolled at Pasadena Nazarene College in Pasadena, California. Before her senior year of college she moved to Nampa, ID and graduated from Northwest Nazarene College with her teaching degree.

Fredda met Don Doerksen at Temple City Church of the Nazarene in the spring of 1967. They were engaged on Valentine's Day, and were married December 14, 1968.

Fredda's most important relationship in her life was with Jesus Christ. She's a daughter of the most high King and loved serving Him in many areas; church boards, Sunday school teacher, women's ministry coordinator, church choir, Vacation Bible School director and nursery coordinator. Her greatest desire is for all who knew her to have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

All who knew Fredda knew that her family was the second most important part of her life. She was married to Don for 50 years and experienced every possible adventure imaginable, including living in 16 different homes, a ministry in Haiti, and travels to all 50 states. She had a favorite saying when referring to her marriage, "It wasn't always pleasant but it was NEVER boring. She loved her three children and had special relationships with each of them. She shared a love of sports with her son Rod, especially the Kansas Jayhawks, March Madness and the Kansas City Chiefs. Becky and her mom shared teaching experiences, growing flowers and a love to keep things organized. Fredda enjoyed sewing and quilting with her youngest daughter Vicky. The two of them traveled many miles together throughout the Midwest as Vicky gave quilting presentations.

Fredda adored her four grandchildren, Kizer, Elle, John and Abigail. She did her best to see each of them at least once a year traveling to Leavenworth, KS, Littleton, CO and Nampa ID. If you were to walk through Don and Fredda's home you would see all of her family members in photos all over her beautiful home. Her love for her grandchildren will live on in their hearts, and she will be missed by all those who knew her.

Fredda was a public-school teacher for 33 years. She taught 2nd grade in Nampa, ID, 1st and 2nd grade in Hines, OR and 4th grade and 6th grade math in Shawnee, KS. Fredda was dedicated in giving all of her students the best education she could in a creative way, even dressing up as her own substitute teacher! She made several lifelong friends with her many fellow teachers and principals.

Fredda is survived by loving husband Don Doerksen, children J. Rodney Doerksen wife Kelli, Becky (Doerksen) Vaughn husband Chris, and Vicky (Doerksen)Beasley husband John, grandchildren Kizer Sams, Elle Sams, John Beasley, Jr., Abigail Doerksen, brother Richard Watkins and sister Sandra Watkins. She was preceded in death by her father Charles Richard Watkins, mother Ines Jean Watkins and brother Larry Watkins.

Memorials are suggested to the Samaritan's Purse and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.