Ethel Eva Derkach

Ethel Eva Derkach, 81, of Broken Arrow, OK, was born June 24, 1944, in Elizabeth, NJ, to Edward Lamar Foster and Lena Louise (Gerke) Foster. She passed away October 27, 2025, in Tulsa, OK.

Ethel was a woman of many talents. She was a dental assistant, a laboratory secretary at Wagoner Community Hospital, and was a phlebotomist. She was also a mother of two kids.

Ethel was an only child as her parents were older in life when they had her. Her father was a railroad engineer, and Ethel always loved the rides on the steam engine. The family moved to Linden, New Jersey, where Ethel grew up and attended the public school system, ultimately graduating Linden High School. Subsequently, she went on to attend Lyons Technical Institute gaining certification in phlebotomy. Back in the days of Linden High, Ethel met her forever to be husband, John. He charmed her pursued the beautiful, baton twirling blonde for the next five years. The blonde turned grey after 60 years, but their love never tarnished. Those years were filled with love, and laughs. Their two children were her life’s focus; going to various girl scouts’ events and little league games. She spent summers gardening, canning, and sewing the kids’ school clothes. Other people pursued careers, but for Ethel, her life was her children and her family. A kinder person would be hard to find. Her love of animals can be noted by the roost of 15 dogs, 25 cats, and a soft spot for those in need. Heaven has received another wonderful lady.

Congratulations, Jesus! We loved her!

She is survived by her husband, John Derkach; daughter, Karen Ritchie and husband, George; son, Craig Derkach; grandchildren, Braden Winfield Connor Winfield and wife, Ginger, Micah Winfield, and Haley Solis; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Lena Foster.

In lieu of flowers her wishes were for donations to animals in need. The family would appreciate any donations to be made in Ethel's memory to the following organizations: Tulsa humane society, Route 66 Pet Rescue, Skiatook Paws and Claws, or the Tulsa SPCA.

Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Online condolences to the family can be made at johnsonsperry.com.

Tulsa humane Society: https://www.tulsapets.com/donate

Route 66 Pet Rescue: https://: https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=uv2ps7HEqA8w8ENlxOqkQc_SACoex9OWviz0tjJ9oHpk-b92dAQhgOFQ4iDctj9gNk_gXzKP-rHb9gUr&locale.x=US

Skiatook Paws and Claws: www.skiatookpawsandclaws.com/donate

Tulsa SPCA: https://www.tulsaspca.org/donate/