She was born September 26, 1934 in Anthony, Kansas, to Charles Tramba and Nadine Davenport Tramba. She lived most of her life in Amarillo, working at BSA hospital for over 25 years before retiring from the nutrition department. She was a devoted mother who joyfully spent her lifetime managing the shenanigans of her children and grandchildren, while also having a few shenanigans of her own. Those who knew her describe her as a pistol, a loving grandmother, a true friend, and a genuine Christian believer. For many years, she was an active member of the ladies’ Sunday School group at Lifeway Fellowship Baptist Church.
Ms. Dereich had a heart of service and kindness, contributing to Burden Basket and crocheting hats for infants who did not survive birth. She also crocheted afghans for all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, and even for their baby dolls. Her generous and thoughtful spirit will not be forgotten. There was never a more kindhearted, precious and gentle soul, qualities which are even more incredible given the hardships she endured her entire life. She forever maintained her beautiful, positive, loving outlook. She loved country music, especially George Strait, and called everyone “darlin’” like the true Texas lady she was. She adored Great Danes and dogs of all kinds, especially the beloved Blackwolf, China, and her service dog Zöe.
Ms. Dereich—known as GiGi to her grandchildren—was just as strong as she was sweet. GiGi wasn’t afraid to crack a pool cue in half to start a rumble when anyone tried to pick a fight with her kids or grandkids. She was also quite the dancer on a pair of roller skates, and one never knew what color her hair would be until she arrived. We will see GiGi again, restored in all of her beauty, and we look forward to seeing what color her hair will be this time.
Ms. Dereich is preceded in death by her aforementioned parents, stepsister Beverly Carlisle, and great-granddaughter Olivia Blythe Carder. She is survived by sisters Charlene Falke (Lloyd) of Amarillo; sisters Shirley Martin (Gene) and Karen Struble (Phil) of Anthony, KS; stepsister Wanda Cole (the late Darryl Cole) of Hurst; son Donny Hickmott (Mary Bradley) of Spring; daughter Vickie Hickmott of Amarillo; daughter Janet Johnson (the late Bill Johnson) of Edmond, OK; grandchildren Doni Hickmott Carder, Danielle Hickmott Waldrop and David Hickmott of Texas; and grandchildren Priscilla Johnson and Cassandra Sellers of Oklahoma. She is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
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