Obituary of Herta "Hattie" Close

Obituary Click here to watch the Video Tribute On March 22nd, 2021 Hattie passed away at Peace Villa Fort St. John, at the age of 91. Hattie (Herta) Close was born April 2 1929 at Brokenhead, Manitoba to parents William and Emilie Dreger. She was the second of nine children. Hattie’s family moved to Woking, AB when she was very small in the 1930's She attended school at the Saddle Mountain School where one of her teachers called her Hattie and it stuck. They worked hard on the farm and when she was 16 she left school and started working. She got a job as a cooks helper in a lumber camp at Blueberry Mountain, AB where she met the love of her life Dave Close. They were married August 22, 1947. They moved to Dawson Creek, BC. There they welcomed their first daughter Audrey on October 2, 1949. They wanted to farm and had some land at Willow Valley, BC. They farmed in summer and Dave worked in the sawmill in the winter. Hattie come down with Polio one summer but came out of it OK. Soon after Dave got a job offer to run a sawmill near Wonowon, BC. They moved their house there and Hattie got a job in the general store. Soon they bought the store and moved it across the road closer to their house. The business grew and Hattie added postmaster to her resume. On August 27th 1954 they welcomed their second girl Laurie to the family. Hattie and Dave concentrated in expanding the store to include a Chevron gas station, café, bus stop and rooms to let. Truly the heart of the community. Employees were always family or friends. Hattie ran it all and took it in stride. Hattie was always involved with the Wonowon community and enjoyed the Mayday parades the Curling Club, and dances. She was always on the food committee and made sure no one ever went without. They sold their business in 1976 after 26 years they moved to Fort St. John and bought a house Hattie then got a job at the FSJ Hospital as a Dietitian. Being community minded she joined the local Lioness Club and also ran a T.O.P.S group. In the summers she would be at the farm with her grandkids showing them the value of hard work and farm life. She loved gardening and her garden was always weed free and full of produce. In her senior years Hattie enjoyed traveling with Dave. They took many trips to places that included Arizona, Mexico, Alaska, Spain. They also participated in the senior games and could often be found at the Local Seniors Hall. Hattie loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Hattie was a hard worker, if something had to be done she did it. Her home was always open if someone needed a place to stay. She was a generous and caring person who left her mark on many. She will always be remembered for her outgoing personality and lighting up any room with her laugh. Hattie is Pre Deceased by her husband David Close. Her Sister- Hilda Dika Brother -Gustof Dreger Brothers In-Law -Jerry Dika and Terry Vandergaag. She is survived by her Daughters- Audrey(Joe) Arias and -Laurie(Pat) Dowd, Sisters- Esther Vandergaag -Adoline(Pat) Glenn, Brothers- LLoyd Dreger and Arron(Olga)Dreger. She leaves 8 Grandchildren, 16 Great Grandchildren, and 2 Great Great Grandchildren. We will miss you forever Please click here to view the video tribute Services