It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Lauretta Ann Gatzke (nee Dillman) on

September 10th, 2024. Born on September 6th, 1940, Lauretta was the daughter of Martin and

Rose Dillman, and grew up in Cherryville, B.C. on North Fork road with her 6 siblings: Bill, Jean

Helen, Jim, Wilma and Lillian. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 63 years Ron; two

children, Ken (Teresa) and Mark, and one grandson Quinn.

 

Lauretta was a devout Catholic and worked to serve her church in many ways and for many

years including, helping the Catholic Women’s League and writing the weekly Church Bulletin.

Lauretta was known for her strong integrity. She was a straight shooter and you always knew

where you stood with her. The world would be a better place with more people like her.

 

Lauretta and Ron Gatzke met and married in 1961 and settled in Lumby, B.C. They first lived at

The Monashee Motel, then rented a house on Park Avenue before purchasing their first home on

Grandview Avenue where they lovingly raised their children. Mom loved the outdoors and

enjoyed the many family camping trips in the local mountains and lakes. Mom realized her

dream when her and Dad purchased a farm just east of Lumby on Highway 6 at the base of

Saddle mountain. On the farm, Mom embraced her passion for training and riding horses. She

was an accomplished rider and she and Dad owned many different horses over the years and

went on many horseback riding excursions together. She was an active rider well into her 70s

and enjoyed riding with her friends the “Galloping Grannies”. Eventually the farm became too

much and Mom and Dad moved to the Villas in Lumby, then Carrington Place in Vernon and

finally to the Monashee Mews back in Lumby.

 

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the incredible support and

personalized care that Mom received at The Monashee Mews.

 

A memorial service will be held at The Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lumby, on September

28, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Henry officiating. Afterwards there will be a graveside

Interment at the Lumby Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the Church Hall.

 

 

 

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pleasant Valley Funeral Home,

Phone: 250-542-4333

Condolences may be offered at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com