Obituary of Tina Preheim

Sept. 5, 1913 Aug. 16, 2008 Tina was born in Borden, Saskatchewan, Canada to Cornelius and Katie Nickel. She moved with her family to California in the early 1920's. She attended school in Capay and graduated from high school in Hamilton City. She met and fell in love with Fred S. Prieheim, also of Mennonite heritage. They were married in 1937. They raised two daughters and a son. Fred and Tina celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1987. Fred preceded her to heaven in 1988. In her more than 80 years as a resident of the Chico area, she worked tirelessly to care for her family, contribute to her community and was a devoted friend to those who knew her. She attended Grace Brethren Church and sang in the choir for many years. Her faith in the Lord Jesus was her foundation in later life. Tina worked for 27 years for the California Dried Fruit and Nut Association at Continental Nut. She loved to travel and has been all over the world. During her decades in Chico, her service to her community was extensive. She served as a first aid instructor with the Red Cross, a Camp Fire leader, President of the Women's Civil Defense Council, a volunteer for the Salvation Army, a member of Community Chest, a member of the City Council Health Agency and organized the Butte Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She worked many years on the annual MDA Telethon, receiving numerous awards for her efforts. The Chico Business and Professional Women's organization recognized and named her "Woman of the Year". Tina was also a member of Rebekah's, Grandmother's Club and was a past president of the Women's Benefit Association. She had a special devotion and commitment to the Chico Eagles Auxiliary, where she was a charter member in 1940 and served as President from 1946-1947. After nearly 50 years of service to the Eagles Auxiliary on the local, state and national levels, she was honored as "Woman of the Year" by the Eagles Auxiliaries in the U.S. and Canada. She is survived by her sisters, Sue Bennett and Mary Landess; children, Kay and Orv Parks of Chico, Diane and Ron Mathis of Tulare and Mick and Edie Prieheim of Chico; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great- grandchildren also survive her. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in remembrance of Tina, may be designated to one of the following and sent to Brusie Funeral Home (626 Broadway, Chico, CA 95926): Grace Brethren Church, City of Hope, Muscular Dystrophy Association or Paradise Hospice House. Family and friends are invited to attend a "Celebration of Life" for Tina on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at the Grace Brethren Church, 355 Panama Ave, Chico, followed by a reception at the Chico Eagles Hall, 20th Street and Mulberry.