Helen Jo Gateka-Anderson

Helen Jo Gateka-Anderson, 79, of Thousand Oaks, CA. passed away Wednesday, June 10th, 2015. Helen is survived by her husband, Richard “Dick” Anderson; son, Stephen Gateka of Dallas, TX; daughter, Renee Renna (Jeff) of Simi Valley and her beloved granddaughter, Kristine Renna. Helen is also survived by her sisters, Doris Geurkink and Carol Suter; nieces, Sue James, Deborah Hildebrand, Linda Papadopoulos and Ann Alexander; nephews, Kent Williamson and Mark and Tom Geurkink; Dick's daughters, Debbie, Sherry and Sandy; as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Neva Bolton; and her first husband, Fredrick Alan Gateka.Helen was born in 1936 in OK to Warren and Neva Bolton. After moving to Thousand Oaks in 1967, she started Hillcrest Preschool and later founded Bethany Christian School in 1975. Helen served as Pre-school Director and Principal at Bethany before retiring in 2003. While at Bethany, Helen touched many lives and recently helped celebrate Bethany's 40 year anniversary.Helen was united in marriage to Frederick Alan Gateka on January 31, 1958 in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Fred died on December 10, 1991.After retiring, Helen married Richard “Dick” Anderson in 2004 and they had 11 wonderful years of traveling and serving God together. Helen was active in the Westlake Village Wellness Community and a dedicated member of her church, CCTO in Thousand Oaks.Helen was a people person and could always be found surrounded by friends. She will be remembered as the 'Energizer Bunny,' having survived seven types of cancer and bravely battling ovarian cancer for the past 10 years. Throughout all she has gone through, she still made time to play golf with Dick, attend several bible studies and support any friend in need. She will also be remembered by always saying, 'Bless Your Heart.'Helen will be laid to rest and graveside services will be held at the McPherson Cemetery, McPherson, Kansas on Friday, June 19, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Minister Gary Witcher Officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11am on Sat, June 27th at Christian Church of Thousand Oaks, Pastor Joe Markum officiating, with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Helen's life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org/donate or Bethany Christian School: 200 Bethany Ct, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360; (805) 497-7072.

Helen Jo Gateka-Anderson

June 10, 2015