Florence Beverly Nika's Obituary
Florence Beverly Nika, 92, of Martinsville, Illinois, passed away at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 13, 2011 at Heartland Nursing Center, Casey, Illinois. Florence was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in Ohio. As a girl she was very active in sports. She married George Nika on September 3, 1938. He passed away on February 26, 2009. Of this union were born four children, Jerry, Bonnie, Janice and Rebekah. She had five grandchildren, Elisabeth, Daniel, Gregory, Tarah and Geoffrey, and four great grandchildren, Rebekah, Jacob, Matthias and Rachel. Florence's life and efforts were involved in the Martinsville Bible Church where her husband was pastor for 50 years. She taught grade school age children on Sunday evenings and in the summers during Vacation Bible School for more than 40 years. She taught the Les Amies ladies Sunday School class and filled in other positions as she was needed; she founded the IFCA Women's Organization. Florence organized missionary sewing and together with as many as twenty other women of the church, made hundreds of quilts and lap robes for the Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago, Illinois, Light House Mission in Terre Haute, Indiana, Heritage Soldiers Home in Hutsonville, Illinois and for residents of area nursing homes. They were also able to work on many missionary projects. Meeting once a month for more than fifty years, the number of women dwindled but the work continued with the few who remained. She was involved in her children's school clubs and activities and was a member of Home Bureau and Women's Club. She served as culinary superintendent of the Martinsville Agricultural Fair for more than 25 years. Florence taught several local evening classes for adults on baking breads and Christmas goods with yeast and instructed in the use of herbs in cooking. She was a good homemaker, a good friend, a loving mother and wife. Her great joy was her work with the children. No visitation or funeral service will be held. A public graveside service and burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at the Ridgelawn Cemetery, Martinsville, Illinois, with Bro. Billie Ray Ulrey and Rev. David Wilson officiating. Memorial donations and contributions may be made to the Martinsville Bible Church, 590 N. Ridgelawn Road, Martinsville, IL 62442. Memorial tributes and condolences may be sent to the family at www.greenwellfh.com. Greenwell Funeral Home of Martinsville, Illinois is in charge of the arrangements. SERVICES Service Wednesday, November 16, 2011 10:00 AM GRAVESIDE at Ridgelawn Cemetery, Martinsville, IL , Visitation
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