Wibke Doretha Garrecht

Garrecht, Wibke Doretha Wibke Doretha Garrecht was born September 17, 1944 in Giessen, Germany. She grew up on a farm and quickly developed a love for animals, especially pigs. She went to college in Germany and studied medicine. In 1965, she met her first husband, Larry Roybal, while he was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. A few months after they met, they were married and moved back to the United States of America. Wibke gave birth to her only child, Beate Roybal, on October 11, 1966. Wibke Garrecht was a free spirit, and often did things on her own terms. She was always up to try new things and hardly ever turned down a good time. She understood that she was in charge of her own happiness and rarely had a frown on her face. She would leave a room by saying “Happy Days.” Years after her first marriage, Wibke met the love of her life, Robert E. Garrecht. They were married on May 2, 1988. They spent the next 23 years enjoying life together. Traveling, whale watching, trying new foods, and golfing were the things they loved to do the most. Wibke (known as Maggie by her grandchildren) had a contagious smile and loved to her share her knowledge with the world. She spoke three languages, was a talented painter, and had a passion for music. She spent the last years of her life enjoying time with her family and traveling to Hillsboro, N.M. with her dear friends, Ted and Linda. She is survived by her brother, Eike Eifert; her niece, Annette Heil; her daughter, Beate Roybal; and her grandchildren, Celeste Estes, Ethan Estes, and Alex Garber. A celebration on her life will take place on Friday, May 9, 2014, 2:00 p.m., at FRENCH-University. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the American Cancer Foundation, 10501 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite 300, Albuquerque, NM 87111. Death happens in two stages. First, when the physical body stops working. The second occurs when people who were influenced by the deceased no longer speak or think about them. Wibke will always live in those who loved her. Her family will forever be influenced by her knowledge and passion for life. We love you Maggie, and will always be thinking about you.

Wibke Doretha Garrecht

September 17, 1944 - May 1, 2014