Alice Oostra, age 94, went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016.
Alice was born on Feb. 9, 1922 in Iowa, a daughter of Henry and Jeanette Maassen. On May 6, 1943 she married Marinus Oostra in Laurel, Mississippi, while he was on leave from the Army. After the war Marinus and Alice lived in Iowa and then moved to Whatcom County in 1951. Together they raised their family and operated a dairy farm on the Birch Bay-Lynden Road for 35 years.
Alice was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She had a strong, firm faith in the Lord and had an unconditional love for everyone. She was always there for you, letting you know she cared. She had this unique personality and always made you feel special and important. She gave the best hugs and was patient, kind-hearted and supportive. She was deeply loved and respected by many and will be greatly missed.
She worked 10 years at the Christian Rest Home. She was a member of Second Christian Reformed Church of Lynden.
In addition to her parents, Alice was preceded in death by her husband Marinus, infant son Richard, daughter-in-law Beth Oostra, brothers John and Marinus Maassen and sister Rika Vanden Top.
She is survived by her children MaryAnn (Ron) Massey, John (Kathi) Oostra, Henry Oostra, Kenny (Elaine) Oostra, Janet (Monty) Buckley, Dorothy (Arnie) DeKubber, Donna Allen and Priscilla (Lance) Hoekema; as well as 26 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; sister Cora (Minard) Vanden Top; and sister-in-law Jenny Maassen. Her legacy continues to grow with more great- and great-great-grandchildren on the way as well as being a foster grandmother.
Memorials may be given to Seattle Children’s Hospital, https://giveto.seattlechildrens.org/changealife.
The memorial service was held on Monday, Nov. 21, in Second Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Ben de Regt officiating.
You are invited and encouraged to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.
