Gretta Bovenkamp passed away peacefully on March 16, 2019, at the age of 87. She was born Hilda Gretta Leenders in Langley, British Columbia, to Hilda and Dick Leenders on Sept. 5, 1931. Her family moved to Whatcom County when she was a young child and they settled on a dairy farm.
Gretta married Anthony Bovenkamp in December 1950 and raised nine children on a small farm near Lynden. Greta devoted her life to her children and was an adoring grandmother, earning the nickname “Granny Goose or (Goosie). Her love of children and young people was not limited to her own, but the entire neighborhood and beyond!
Gretta was preceded in death by her husband Anthony in 2004 and son Larry “Mike” Bovenkamp 2014.
She is survived by her children Linda (Tom) Bishop, Ken Bovenkamp, Doug (Linda) Bovenkamp, Carol Welch and partner John Stout, Cheryl Miner, Daryl Bovenkamp, Debbie (Todd) Lingbloom and Jeff (Karen) Bovenkamp. She is also survived by her sister Fran Wahl; 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
At her request there will be no service.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital would be appreciated.
Thank-you to the wonderful loving nurses and caregivers at Mount Baker Care Center in Bellingham.
You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
