Jessie A. Fike
Jessie Ann Fike, 103, died early Saturday Oct. 5, 2002, at her home in Masontown, Pa. She was born Nov. 23, 1898, in Cheat Neck, Monongalia County, West Virginia, the daughter of Perry R. Jenkins and Goldia Lee Rude Jenkins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bruce W. Fike in 1979; her daughter, Dorothy Lee Fike Martin in 1972; and her brother, Ray Jenkins in 1971.
She is survived by her sister, Mrs. Ray (Flora) VanSickle, formerly of Morgantown, who resides in Quincy, Pennsylvania. Also surviving are the following grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jeffrey V. Martin and his wife, Denise and their sons, Christopher and Jesse of German Township; David B. Martin of Masontown; Nancy Lee Kelley and her husband, Douglas and their children, Mrs. Ben (Erin) Ness, Charla and Timothy of Pataskala, Ohio; Frank E. Martin and his wife, Sandra and their sons, F. Elliot and Michael of Masontown; Thomas H. Martin of San Francisco, California; and Marcia Ann Barnhart and her husband, Ken and their children, Cleveland, Alyson, Elspeth and Mason of Baltimore, Maryland.
She is also survived by the following nieces and nephews: George Ray (Dick) Jenkins, Mrs. Thelma Perry, Robert W. Friend, David L. Fike, Mrs. Willard (Betty) Frazee and Mrs. Maurice (Helen) Glotfelty.
In recent years, Mrs. Fike was assisted in her home by a number of wonderful caregivers under the supervision of Loretta Fritzman.
Mrs. Fike was a member and regular attendee of the First Presbyterian Church of Masontown, a member of the Masontown Senior Center, and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
As a young woman, Mrs. Fike was named “Teacher of the Year” for Monongalia County, West Virginia. In 1998, Masontown’s Bi-Centennial Committee honored her as her adopted hometown’s oldest resident.
Mrs. Fike and her husband played an important role in the growth and financial well-being of the Masontown area, having started several businesses and assisting others in business ventures since moving to Masontown, in 1921.
Together, Mrs. Fike and her husband founded Fike Chevrolet, and, at one time, she was the largest stockholder of Second National Bank of Masontown. In the 1920’s she operated a successful grocery and hardware business on East Church Avenue in Masontown, and along with Mr. Fike, ran a construction business that built well in excess of 50 homes in the Masontown vicinity.
On Saturday, October 12, friends and family will be received in the First Presbyterian Church, 102 West Church Ave., Masontown, Pennsylvania, from noon until 2 p.m., when a memorial service will be held, with the Rev. James F. Giesey officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Fike requested that those who wish to do so may make contributions to the charity or church of their choice.
The HAKY FUNERAL HOMES INC., A Dignity Memorial Provider, 515 North Main St., Masontown, PA 15461, are handling the arrangements.