Ann Dykstra, daughter of Mike Klein and Coba (DeWaard), went to be with her Lord and Savior on Jan. 21, 2017 at the age of 88. Ann lived a full life and was deeply loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.
Born Nov. 7, 1928 near Armour, South Dakota, she was one of seven children. Their mother died when Ann was 7 years old. Ann attended a one-room schoolhouse, with many of her schoolmates being cousins. She also had the experience of growing up during the Depression while in South Dakota. The family moved to Everson when Ann was 13 years old.
She met the love of her life, Pierson Dykstra, at church. They were married 62 years. Together they cleared their land near Sumas, establishing a dairy farm and providing a wonderful life for their children. Ann lived on the farm for 70 years and enjoyed the beautiful sunrises and outdoors.
She left a legacy in the example of faith and constant love for her family and friends. She was a loving, kind and gentle mother to her children: Linda (Carl) Johnson, Duane (Alyda) Dykstra, Ron Dykstra, Marlene (Dale) Ter Wisscha, Vernon (JoAnn) Dykstra and Glen (Alice) Dykstra.
She cherished each and every one of her 20 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren plus one to arrive soon. She was always interested in their activities and their lives. Ann enjoyed attending and watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in many sports activities.
Ann is survived by her sisters, Tillie Bajema and Nellie (Wes) Kiel; brothers Merlin (Kathy) Klein and Albert Klein; sister-in-law Leona Bos; brother-in-law Merv (Lucy) Dykstra; sisters-in-law Hermina (Adrian) Arendse and Ruth Hadeen; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She joins her loving husband Pierson in heaven along with her parents; brothers John, Corstian and Peter Klein; and daughter-in-law Julie (Joey) Dykstra.
Ann was a life member of Sumas Christian Reformed Church.
You are invited to join the family in honoring Ann at a visitation time from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, in Gillies Funeral Home. The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, in Sumas Christian Reformed Church, 700 Sumas Ave., Sumas, with Pastor Aaron De Boer officiating.
Memorials may be sent to Sumas Christian Reformed Church Youth Ministries, P.O. Box 217, Sumas, WA 98295; or Lynden Christian Schools, 417 Lyncs Dr., Lynden, WA 98264.
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 of Lynden.
