Goldie M Stickovich

On the morning of October 29, 2016, our mom/grandma’s heart of gold beat for the last time. She gave everything to her family and friends, even writing her own obituary. While this is a snapshot into her long and well-lived life, it doesn’t begin to summarize the beautiful and selfless life she lived. She was dearly beloved by her family and friends and will leave a void that will never be replaced…

Goldie M. Hemphill Stickovich, of Mishawaka, was born November 6, 1923 in Lima, Ohio to the late Harry and Edna (McMillen) Hemphill. They moved to Buchanan, Michigan when she was three years old. She went to Buchanan High School where she twirled the baton for the band. She then moved to Niles and lived with her sister, Iva Aldrich, and worked for Simplicity Pattern Company until 1944.

Goldie married Lewis Stickovich on July 29, 1944 and moved to Mishawaka, where she spent the rest of her life. She was a police lady for Bingham School and a librarian, in charge of running the Osceola Library. She retired from the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library in 1979.

Goldie was in a Canasta Club for fifty years, belonged to the Osceola Ladies Back to Lunch Bunch, Elm Grove Home Demonstration Club, Mishawaka High School Alumni Association, and a member of Osceola United Methodist Church. She loved to do crafts and play cards with her brother, sister-in-law, and sister and playing “Oh Heck” with her daughter and great granddaughter.

Goldie cherished her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is survived by a daughter, Sharon Huys; a daughter-in-law, Jeanie Stickovich; two sisters, Bernie Cherryholmes and Nellie Prince; eight grandchildren, Jacki Huys, Billy Huys (Jala), Frederick Stickovich (Natasha), Jennifer Ricks (Dave), Tiffany Desmond (Ryan), Stacey Huys (Kevin), Stephanie Huys, and Nicholas Stickovich (Staci); and 8 great grandchildren, Cheyenne O’Keefe, Sophia Ricks, Jacob Desmond, Zoe Ricks, Gavin Stickovich, Taben Huys, Ava Desmond, Rylan Huys, and another great grandson is on the way.

Goldie lost her son, Fred Stickovich, this past April; her daughter, Nancy Stickovich in 2008, and her beloved husband of 65 years, Lewis Stickovich in 2009. She was also preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Crystal Rossow, Hazel Larson, Iva Aldrich and Betty Krassow; and two brothers, Harry Hemphill and Bucky Hemphill.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the wonderful care provided by Center for Hospice Care, Sprenger Health Care of Mishawaka, and to Bo and Tonya at Sprenger.

Services honoring Goldie’s life will be held Tuesday, November 1, at 12 noon in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, with Pastor Leroy Wise officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Friends may spend time with the family Tuesday from 10 am to 12 noon in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in Goldie’s name may be made to Osceola United Methodist Church or the Center for Hospice Care. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.