Jennifer Riddick

Jennifer Riddick

Ottumwa

Jennifer Jane Riddick, 49, of Ottumwa, Iowa, formerly of Des Moines, passed away Thursday, August 23, 2012.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 1, at 1 p.m. at Blakesburg Christian Church in Blakesburg, Iowa, where she was a Sunday School teacher.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Reece Funeral Home, Ottumwa, IA, on Friday, August 31, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Jenna was born October 13, 1962, in Lincoln, NE. She was the eldest child of Ronald George Michka and Jane Martin Michka. She grew up in Omaha, NE and later moved to West Des Moines, Iowa, where she attended Valley High School. Jenna had a thirst for knowledge and earned many degrees. She attained an accounting degree from AIB. She graduated from Iowa State University where she received a BS in both Biology and Criminal Justice. Recently she had earned her substitute teaching certificate and was eagerly looking forward to begin teaching this fall.

Jenna had a zest for life. She had a passion for the outdoors and the beauty that surrounded her. She reveled in living the country life on her farm, surrounded by her horses and fruit trees and flowers. Deeply concerned for our environment she strived to be self-sustaining. Using her Grandma's recipes she cooked and canned the food grown in her abundant garden which she graciously shared with loved ones. She made hearty meals for all her family and friends. "If you leave hungry it's your own fault." she would say.

Everyone adored her, especially children. She had a heart of gold that shined all around her. Jenna was artistic and creative. She was brilliant and as bright as the sun. She was witty and funny and passionate about wildlife. She loved her horses and her dogs, but most of all, she loved her four children.

We are all left wanting so much more.

Jennifer is survived by her four children; Matt Procyk, Daniel, Joe, and Emily Taylor; mother, Jane "Penny" Sullivan of West Des Moines, IA; brother, Ron Michka (Angela), of Kansas City, MO; sister, Jill Tobin (Sean) of Iowa City, IA; cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ron Michka.

In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established for her four children.

Contributions may be made to Jane Sullivan.