Betty Kaemingk
Betty (Kok) Kaemingk, 89, went home to her heavenly father on Wednesday, June 1. Betty was born on July 5, 1932 in Lynden to Edward and Grace (Van Dalfsen) Kok. She lived in Lynden on a farm on the Jackman Road her entire childhood.
Betty attended Ebenezer Christian School through eighth grade and was always proud of being an Ebenezer Lemon Squeezer.
Betty attended Lynden Christian High School while it was still being built and was in the second class to graduate from LCHS in 1950. She got a job at Elenbaas Dairy (also known as Lynden Dairy) wrapping butter and helping out in the restaurant where you could get a cup of coffee for five cents, but it was a Dutch cup, with room for cream.
On Aug. 13, 1954, she married James (Jim) Kaemingk at Bethel Christian Reformed Church. At first she thought he was too quiet, but he won her over with his humor and boxes of chocolates.
After the busy years of raising her three boys and favorite tail-ender daughter, she worked as a part-time bookkeeper for Whatcom Builders. Her favorite hobbies were working in her beautiful gardens, sewing clothes for her family, quilting, and reading.
She also enjoyed hiking on Mt. Baker and biking.
Betty was a long-time member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church and served her church in many capacities. She lovingly created countless quilts for her family members.
Betty’s favorite activity of all was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was well-known for her endless supply of delicious home baked goods and a cookie drawer that was never empty. No one could get enough of her peanut butter balls, Special K bars, snickerdoodles, and cinnamon rolls. Betty was a beautiful example of kindness and hospitality to many family members and friends and always graciously opened her home to others.
God blessed us with many great years with Betty. Although she is no longer with us, her legacy of love to others remains.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband Jim.
Betty is lovingly remembered by her children: Dale (Terry), Jim (Susan), Terry (Elaine) and Tami (John Hunter); her 15 grandchildren Luke (Bonnie), Danae (Colin Isler), Nathan (Diana), Brian (Sondra Vasquez), Ben (Becca), Dezi (Zach Hershey), David (Tara), Michael (Logan McDonald), Lauren (Sunni Schoepe), Tess, Gabe, Carter, Grace (Matthew Alexander), Kaylena, and Anya; and 14 great-grandchildren, Hudson, Autumn, Wesley, Owen, Lawson, Milo, Eloise, Miller, Mara, Lucy, Max, Cassidy, Lily, and Aster.
Betty’s giving and humble character will be missed. She was always there for her family. Betty was always willing to go the extra mile for others and served her family with a gracious heart. We will miss you mom, grandma, GG and friend.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 7 at 3:30 p.m. at Bethel Christian Reformed Church, Lynden. Visitation to be held on Tuesday, June 7 from 12:30-2 p.m. at Gillies Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested to: Lynden Christian Schools; 417 Lyncs Dr., or Ebenezer Christian School, 9390 Guide Meridian Road, both Lynden, WA 98264.
You are invited to share your memories of Betty by signing the online guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Services are under the care of Gillies Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Lynden.
