Ellen Marie Henken, age 83, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018.
She was known for being sweet and kind and having a wonderful sense of humor. Ellen was proud of her Whatcom County heritage. She was born in Everson to Harry Bert and Lydia May (Lade) Assink on Nov. 3, 1934.
Ellen married James Henken on Dec. 13, 1952, in Lynden and completed their family with a daughter Jackie and son Dale.
Ellen was a cook for the Lynden School District for 20 years. She was a member of First Reformed Church for 65 years. She enjoyed being a part of Lydia Circle, teaching Sunday school and being in charge of church banquets. Outside of church, she could be found at McDonald’s having coffee with friends or volunteering for the St. Luke’s Guild.
Ellen was known as Grandma extraordinaire to Janelle (Hendor) Rodriguez, Ryan (Shaylene) Henken and Bret Van Lant and great-grandchildren Lydia and Gabriella. Her hot cross buns were famous.
Ellen is survived by her children, Jackie (Bill) DeGroot and Dale (Linda) Henken; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother Wes Assink (Shirley); sister Beverly Honcoop (Lawrence); sisters-in-law Marilyn Assink and Arlene Mann (Richard); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, husband James, and brother Doyle Assink.
Graveside services for family and friends were held in Monumenta Cemetery on Tuesday, Aug. 14, followed by a noon reception in Gillies Funeral Home.
Memorials may be sent to Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 3001 Squalicum Pkwy. Suite 11, Bellingham, WA 98225; or The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.
A special thank-you goes to the Lynden Manor staff for their love and excellent care shown to mom.
You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Lynden.
