Signe Marie Ekberg was born to Swedish immigrants Eric and Kristina Ekberg on February 1, 1919 in Saskatchewan, Canada. At nearby St. David's rural school, she first spoke only Swedish, but soon became fluent in English and other languages. She completed High school in nearby Dubuc, Saskatchewan.
In July 1939, she met Garnet Jenkins at Round Lake Baptist Bible Camp in the Qu'Appelle Valley. After a courtship of two years, the couple wed in 1941. Garnet then joined the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps while Signe worked in a munitions factory. Garnet later became an ordained Baptist minister. The couple began pastoral work in Signe's hometown Baptist church in Stockholm, Sask. They also ministered to other Baptist churches and the Baptist General Conference foreign missions program in Chicago.
Much of Signe's adult life was devoted to ministry activities and to their seven children (Donna, Sheryl, Patrick, Eunice, Daniel, Paul and David). All the children are very successful in various professions. The family now consists of seven children, fifteen grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Through the years, Garnet and Signe engaged in missionary endeavors around the world. Countries included Spain, Ethiopia, India, Singapore, Japan, Philippines, North and South Korea, Cuba, Soviet Union, and China.
Signe was always conscious of the needs of minorities and the disenfranchised. She formed children's clubs in the ghetto areas of Waukegan IL. In Canada, she devoted much time to First Nations families (Canadian Indians).
Signe was also an extraordinary business woman. She began in Avon sales and in 1964 she became an ardent Amway Distributor. Through hard work, successful organization and exceptional business acumen, she became a Direct Distributor in three years. Growth continued in the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand.
Signe passed into the presence of her LORD on August 23, 2000. Many precious memories are treasured by her family and friends.