Rigtje (Riekie) Siekman-Shields Obituary (1939 - 2016)

Rigtje (Riekie) Siekman-Shields 21 October Groningen, Holland - 23 January 2016, Ogden, Utah Sad, but grateful for what she meant to us during her life, we are sad to inform you that my beloved sister, our dear aunt Rigtje (Riekie) Siekman-Shields passed away at the age of 76 years. She found her peace with her heavenly father. Riekie was born on 21 October 1939 in Groningen, Holland. She was the 7th of nine children. She was the daughter of Egbert Siekman and Jantje Tichgelaar. It was a difficult time. It became war and her parents divorced. Her mother was alone with nine children and it was hard during times of food shortage, poverty and uncertainty. This terrible period and the memories of it, Riekie could not let go. She built a wall around her, but who could break through, she loved with her entire heart. At an early age she went to work. She worked day and night for a doctor and this was hard work, at which time she lived at the care center and tended to those entrusted to her care day and night. In 1965/1966 she served a mission in the Netherlands. Riekie wanted more in her life. In 1967 she emigrated all alone to America. She worked as an au pair at home. Later, she helped a woman she built a special relationship with. This woman was a mother for Riekie. When she passed away it hurt Riekie a lot and she was alone again. She met Robert William Shields and they married on March 16th 1974. Bob and Rieke lived in Scarsdale, New York. They built their own home. With regret they did not have children. She loved children al lot and started a day-care at home. Unfortunately, Bob became ill. Riekie took care of him herself until the end. After Bob died, Riekie moved to Ogden, Utah. She had a secluded life. She moved for the last time in 2007 where she lived up to the time of her death. She always has been a hardworking, independent woman. She still tried to rebuild her home herself, but her body was not able to. When she became old, she refused to accept this. She also would not accept help. It was very, very difficult for her. Finally, her body gave up and she found her rest. We want to thank all friends, acquaintances, neighbors, and members of the church for their help and support the last years. Although it was very difficult for Riekie to accept help. We are also very grateful for the help and support that we received as a family from Bishop Mortensen taking care of the funeral and other affairs. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, at Myers Mortuary of Ogden, 845 Washington Blvd. Friends may call on Wednesday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will follow at Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch. VisitationMyers Mortuary - Ogden 100 Monroe Blvd. Ogden, UT 84404 February 3, 2016 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM ServiceMyers Mortuary - Ogden 1875 Monroe Blvd Ogden, Utah 84401 February 3, 2016 11:00 AM CemeteryMemorial Gardens of the Wasatch 1718 Combe Rd Ogden, UT 84403 February 3, 2016