Barbara Ann Wikoff, 72, died Tuesday, Oct. 29 at Oak Valley Hospital, Oakdale, after enduring a three-and-a-half year battle with peritoneal cancer.
She was the second of two girls, born in Yakima, Wash. to Frank and Ella (Zeller) Creighton. She and her sister, Helen Ruth, grew up in Yakima, Wash. She was a graduate of Washington State University, majoring in Music Education. She shared her musical talents as a piano teacher for over 50 years.
In 1961, she married her husband, Robert ‘Bob’ Wikoff. They began their life together in Yakima and had two children. After moving the family a few times, they eventually settled in Oakdale in 1972.
Mrs. Wikoff was a devout Christian and served as pianist for the Oakdale Christian Church, where she held her membership, for more than 40 years. Throughout the years, she played the services, accompanied three choirs, and was a part of many committees. She was a member of the Stanislaus County Music Teachers’ Association for over 40 years. As a support to her husband and children, she played an active role in many Kiwanis, school and community events. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and planned many special vacations, creating beautiful memories for them all.
She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She touched many lives through her gift of music and other activities she was involved in. She gained much joy from her students, genuinely cared about people and was always willing to help where needed. She was dearly loved and will be missed by many.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Robert ‘Bob’ Wikoff; son, Steve (Annamaria) Wikoff; daughter, Sheryl (Arlin) Wikoff-Silva; and grandchildren, Robby, Gregory, Christopher and Carly, all of Oakdale.
A memorial service in her honor will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8 at River Oak Grace Community Church, Oakdale. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, a Barbara A. Wikoff Memorial Scholarship has been established with the Stanislaus County Music Teachers’ Association. Donations may be made payable to: MTAC Foundation Stanislaus Branch, c/o Bob Wikoff, P.O. Box 21, Oakdale, CA 95361.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Nov. 6, 2013
