Linda Grace Kredit
On April 22, 2023, Linda Grace Kredit went home to her Lord and Savior. She was born July 8, 1941, in Hull, Iowa to William “Bill” and Grace (Van Roekel) Vander Kooi. Her family moved to Alameda, California, where her dad worked in the lumber yards and her mom was a teacher at Alameda Christian School. After graduating from Alameda High School, she attended Calvin College graduating in 1963 with degrees in History and Political Science and earning a teaching certificate. On August 20, 1965, she married Harlan Kredit in Alameda. She taught fifth grade at Grandville Christian School and later, Hudsonville Christian School. In 1974, Linda and Harlan moved to Lynden, WA and became members of Third Christian Reformed Church. Linda taught PE at Lynden Christian Middle School for many years before her final retirement. Linda enjoyed following the lives and stories of her former students.
Linda’s greatest joys were her grandchildren. She enjoyed caring for them in their youngest years, visiting with them as they grew up, baking with her granddaughters and watching her grandsons’ athletic and music events. She was known to spoil each grandchild with a special gift from the many travels she and Harlan enjoyed together. She was an avid reader, enjoying the discussions in her long-standing book club and her faithful Bible study group. She shared her love of reading by buying many books for her grandchildren and sharing books from her ever-growing personal library.
When Linda and Harlan moved to Lynden, they built their home on Birch Street, a dead-end road that became its own amazing community; neighbors who became friends who became family.
Linda was an avid sports fan, especially rooting for the student athletes of Lynden Christian. She was frequently seen at the gym or field, cheering for whichever LC team was playing and following them to many state tournaments over the years. Linda also enjoyed watching the Mariners, even in the “rebuilding” years.
For decades, Linda accompanied her husband to Yellowstone National Park during the summers. While Harlan worked, Linda developed lifelong friendships with wives and families of other rangers. We are grateful for those amazing relationships that have continued to the present time. She proudly raised her children in Yellowstone during the summertime, exposing them to a place that was very special to her and Harlan.
Linda had a playful and mischievous streak. Many have been on the receiving end of a card from her, that in some circles, might make one blush. She had a quick wit and loved to joke. Linda was a loyal friend who loved her coffee time chats with dear friends solving the world’s problems, discussing current events, and debating politics. Linda enjoyed gardening, particularly growing dahlias, tomatoes, and blueberries in her garden. She loved traveling and has visited most of our National Parks with her husband and family.
Linda had a heart for service, was passionate about those who suffered or were outsiders, and wanted all to feel welcome. She was a Shepard at Third Christian Reformed Church providing support behind the scenes, frequently making treats for the Skate Church and providing meals for many. A selfless servant, she preferred to serve quietly, not drawing attention to herself.
Preceded in death by her parents and parents-in-law, sister-in-law Clarice (Barry) Blankers, and brother-in-law Albert Van Dalfsen, she is survived by and deeply loved by her husband of 57 years, Harlan; children, Tim (Lisa) Kredit, Kim (Micah) Moses, Karen (Chris) Rast; grandchildren, Eric, Rachel (Evan), Dylan, Tristan, Collin, Elaina and Madison; great-grandchildren Haylee, Olivia and Oaklyn; brother Ben (JoAnn) Vander Kooi of Redmond; sisters-in-law Jean Van Dalfsen, Carolyn (Jim) Wynstra, Mavis (Harold) Terpstra, Eleanor (Bill) Reitkerk; numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.
A visitation is scheduled for Friday night, April 28, 6-8 p.m. at Gillies Funeral Home. A family graveside service will be at Monumenta Cemetery followed by a celebration of Linda’s life on Saturday, April 29, at 2 p.m. at the Third Christian Reformed Church in Lynden.
Memorials can be made in Linda’s name to Lynden Christian Schools, 417 Lyncs Dr., Lynden, WA, 98264. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
