It is with great sadness that the family of Arlys Joanne Abrahamse announces her passing on Dec. 20, 2018, at the age of 84 years.
Arlys was born to the late Harry and Lydia Vander Pol on Nov. 2, 1934, in Dupree, South Dakota. Her family moved to Lynden when Arlys was 12 years old. She graduated from Lynden Christian High School in 1952 and then attended business school. She married the late Donald Abrahamse in 1956, and they resided in Oak Harbor, Washington.
Arlys is survived by four children: Rick Abrahamse and wife Rose of Oak Harbor, Joni Roman and husband Joe of Mount Vernon, Kathi Collier and husband Phil of Oak Harbor, and Greg Abrahamse and wife Ann of Oak Harbor; also 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; brother Gale and wife Lonnie, sister Kay and husband Eddie, and sister Judy and husband Darryl, all of Lynden.
Arlys was predeceased by granddaughter Sadie in 1997 and her loving husband in 1997.
Arlys worked in banking prior to having children. When her first grandchild was born, she started a very successful daycare that she thoroughly enjoyed. She is still referred to as “Grandma Arlys” by many of her prior daycare children. Arlys was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind many beautiful memories. Arlys was very proud of her Christian upbringing and truly loved the Lord. Her favorite Bible passage was Romans 8 and her favorite song was “I Won’t Have to Cross Jordan Alone.”
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, in First Reformed Church of Oak Harbor.
