ROBERTA MAREE "Cookie" KARRAKER

Roberta Maree Karraker, better known as "Cookie" to family and friends, went home to Heaven on Friday May 9, 2014 at the age of 88. She was born on March 11, 1926 to Edward Earl and Ruth Agnes Varner in Turlock, California.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bufe, daughter Becky, son Randy and son-inlaw Peter.

Cookie grew up in Palmdale where she worked for the telephone company as a telephone operator with her two sisters...no question they knew exactly what was going on everywhere!

Eventually she met her "Bufie" while working at Coast Ice Cream Shop in Los Angeles with his mother. Bufe walked in to visit his mom, she introduced him to Cookie and they immediately hit it off. In those days you couldn't get married before your 21st birthday without your parents' permission, so on Bufe's 21st birthday, September 6, 1947, they were married and the adventure was on. The adventure consisted of having six kids and 54 years of life and ministry together, a lifetime of service to the community and most importantly, her precious family. While it was clear Bufe was the evangelist in the community, there was no mistaking who the evangelist was at home.

When our family began our ministry at Northwest Church in the late 60's, it was Cookie who dragged us kids down to the corner of West and Barstow every Saturday where we would mow the lawn and clean the property to prepare the church for Sunday services. It was vitally important to Cookie that we prepare the church well in an effort to honor God. We all eagerly anticipated Mom's amazing Sunday lunches after a full morning of services. It was so fun to watch her reaction whenever Dad would call and say, make some more room, I'm bringing home more people. She was blessed with a special gift of hospitality. It wasn't just how great the food was; her presentations were spectacular. It came as no surprise when after finally convincing her to enter her incredible pies in the Fresno Fair pie contest, she won first place! And though she could have easily let this award go to her head, she always remained humble and focused on the Lord, knowing that her gift of hospitality was one given to her by Him. Her ultimate gift of hospitality was to naturally share the life-changing message of her best friend, Jesus, to those she came in contact with.

She possessed a quick wit and legendary sense of humor. She was honest, transparent and understood her responsibility before God to consistently tell His story of love and grace. Her assignment was clear to her, and she did her best to fulfill it each and every day. Though she experienced a tremendous amount of grief and pain through the loss of her kids and husband, she would always say God never makes a mistake. What an amazing example for all of us. In every birthday, holiday, or anniversary card you received from her, you could always count on her to include the verse that was closest to her heart.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and He wil make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5 & 6

She was extremely gracious and appreciative to all those who provided care for her until her home going.

She is survived by her children, Robin Garner and her husband Bob of Clovis, Rick Karraker and his wife Sharon of Fresno, Rachel Hagenzieker of Fresno and son Rusty Karraker and his wife Cindy of Clovis and daughter-in-law Cynthia Brazil-Karraker of Fresno. She is also survived by her ten grandchildren Janelle Garner, Anna Clopton and her husband Justin, Rochelle Meyer and her husband Bryan, Missy Waters and her husband Robbie, Rob Morgenstern, Amy Galyan and her husband Dave, Mitch Karraker, Jack Karraker, Brett Karraker, Katie Karraker; and eighteen great grandchildren.

A Celebration of her Life will be held at Northwest Church, 5415 N. West Avenue on Saturday, May 17, 2014, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Valley Teen Ranch 2610 W. Shaw Ln., Ste. 105 Fresno, CA 93711 or API - Asian Partners, Inc. 5415 N. West Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711.

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