Christa Robbins

DIXON, Mo. -- Christa Robbins, 78, of Dixon died Friday, Feb. 24, 2006, at her home.

She was born Feb. 16, 1928, in Bernsbach, Germany, daughter of the late Oscar and Else Hecker. She and Jimmie Ray Robbins Sr. were married July 16, 1958, in Germany. He preceded her in death July 5, 2004.

Mrs. Robbins was a master of kloeppli (bobbin lace) making. She was a member of Campground Christian Church near VanCleve, Mo. She was also a member of Missouri Folk Art Association and inducted into the Folk Art Hall of Fame.

She was recognized by Congressman Ike Skelton for the art of lace making. She handed down the art to her daughters, granddaughters and many students. She attended Marthasville Deutsch Days and other festivals to display her art.

Many witnessed and were in awe at the agility and speed of her fingers as she made her lace. She worked at LBJ Manufacturing in Iberia, Mo., 15 years.

Those who survive her include three sons, Bernhard Hecker of Germany, Gerhard Robbins of Dixon, Jimmy Jay Robbins Jr. of Iberia; four daughters, Edna Ellen Wilkinson of Fredericktown, Mo., Merrie Pendleton of Dixon, Katherine Robbins and Patricia Ruprecht of Jefferson City, Mo.; a sister, Ruth Heimbuch of Germany; 17 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A brother, Johannes Hecker, preceded her in death.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Manuel Seaton and Mitchell Seaton officiating. Burial will be in Dick Lawson Cemetery near Iberia.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Dick Lawson Cemetery or Campground Christian Church.