October 15, 1929 - April 10, 2021
Greta (née Slager) Hoeve passed away on April 10th, 2021 surrounded by her family.
She will be remembered by many in the community as the friendly face of Hi-way Cabins (1970s-80s) and Hoeve's Store (1990s-2000s). Customers were met with a smile and a genuine
attentiveness to their needs. Seven days a week were spent managing the store, its staff and her family, but time was still found to garden and sew. She was hardworking, dedicated, patient, and never one to complain.
Greta was born in 1929 to Jan and Geesje Slager in Rouveen, Holland. Her mother passed away when she was six, leaving her and her four sisters to help their father with farm and household chores. Hard work from a young age, along with growing up in occupied Holland, developed a strong sense of determination and resilience within Greta.
In 1957 she married Henry. Together they immigrated to Canada by boat, first landing in Montreal, and then making their way west, living in Calgary, Field and Taft. Life had its challenges; raising their first child in a tiny travel trailer without power or water while learning to adapt to a new country and new language. In 1960 Henry's work brought them to Creston where Greta worked in retail, picked apples and worked in a seniors facility. In 1964 they welcomed their second child. After Henry suffered a serious work injury, the two searched for new opportunities. They purchased Hi-way Cabins, a small store in Erickson, and began major renovations. That year their third child was born. Years of hard work produced a thriving business, which included groceries, gas,rental cabins and post office. After selling in 1988, they built a home in Canyon on an acreage and raised a small herd of cattle. Missing their interaction with the community saw the opening of Hoeve's store in 1992, which they operated until retiring in 2005.
Greta had many interests, including gardening, sewing, baking, crocheting, surfing the internet and keeping up with friends and family via facebook and text messenger on her ipad. She socialized with friends at league bowling, bingo and on road trips as well as travelling with her husband to Holland to visit family. One of her favorite pastimes was watching the Canucks, rarely missing a game. Greta was very witty with a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She gave wise advice and had a heart of gold. Even after 91 trips around the sun, she stayed strong, was optimistic and remained determined. She was deeply loved and well respected by many, and will be greatly missed.
Greta is survived by her children; Jenny (Mark), John (Leah), Richard; Her sisters Rensje (Harm), Ge (Hendrik); Son-in-Law Marlin; Grandchildren, Gelina (Dylan), Ryan (Anna), Justin (Yvonne), Kelsey (Dustin), Tyler (Evan), Shayla; five great grandchildren and many relatives in Ontario and Holland.
She is predeceased by her beloved husband Hendrik Hoeve; brother Evert; sisters Roelofje (Jan), Klaasje(Hendrik) and many relatives in Ontario and Holland.
A private celebration of life was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Creston, BC.