Betty DeBoer

  Elizabeth (Betty) De Boer was welcomed into Heaven on the morning of Sunday, March 14, 2021, just in time to sing in the choir. She had just celebrated her 93rd birthday in the weeks leading up to her journey home.
  Betty Van Ry was born Feb. 26, 1928, to William and Dorothy Van Ry. They were immigrants from Rotterdam, Holland. When “little Betty” came into the family, she already had 11 older siblings living with her on the farm in Ferndale. Betty often talked about how scarce food and other material things were, but she never felt a scarcity of love. Her nine brothers and two sisters lavished attention on their baby sister.
  Betty became the “new girl” in school when she began attending Lynden High School as a junior. It was there that she met Dennis De Boer, the love of her life. They married in 1948 and took over the De Boer dairy farm on West Badger Road. Betty was a great partner on the farm. She never shied away from hard work and at the same time was a great mother to their five children.
  Along with being a mom, she was Denny’s right-hand help throughout his life. At times, she was also his nurse, getting him through several surgeries and infections. Denny wrote some years ago, “She was always my support through good times and bad. She was a great example for her children and grandchildren by how she gave of herself to others.” She held jobs outside of the home a few times, but her favorite place to be was at home with her family, making everything sparkle. The house and the farm were beautiful because of her tireless and loving touch. Throughout their years on the farm, Betty hosted countless visitors, making each one feel welcomed and special. When they moved into town later in life, she kept the friendship door opened with grace and hospitality.
  She suffered but recovered from lymphoma in 2013. It took a lot out of her physically, but did not weaken her big heart of love and kind spirit. She was Dennis’ wife for 70 years until his death in August 2019. He said, “She is still my love and Valentine after all these years.”
  Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Denny; her parents, William and Dorothy; her 11 siblings; a son-in-law, Carl Haan; and three of her grandchildren, Ryan, Ross and Jordan. She has now been reunited with all of them.
  Five children were blessed by Betty’s long life: Donna (Dick) Bajema, Lonnie (David) TenBroek, Randy (Lisa) De Boer, Renee (Carl) Haan, and Roger (Jill) De Boer. She is survived by 26 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. Betty also loved all of her nieces and nephews deeply and they all loved her back.
  This last year, Betty was cared for at Meadow Greens and the Christian Healthcare Center. She loved the nurses and assistants there. The family wishes to say “Thank You” for all of the love she received there.
  You are invited to join the family for visitation at Gillies from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 17. Graveside committal will be at Monumenta Cemetery at 10:15 a.m. Thursday, March 18, followed by an 11 a.m. memorial service in Third Christian Reformed Church. You may also participate by watching the service livestreamed at the www.facebook.com/GilliesFuneralHomeAndCremationServices.
  The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Lynden Christian School.
  You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.