Mildred Van Kooten, age 89, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017.
One of three daughters of Arie and Alice (Mulder) Noteboom, Millie was born in Rock Valley, Iowa, on Nov. 6, 1927. When Millie was 10, the family moved to Lynden where she graduated from Lynden High School. On a memorable evening at the local roller rink during the ladies’ choice skate, she asked a certain Dale Van Kooten to join her on the floor. That was the beginning of a long and loving relationship.
Millie married Dale on Oct. 29, 1948. Together they raised four sons (Jerry, Gerald, Ken and Craig) while working together on the family dairy on Ten Mile Road. In addition to making a home for her husband and boys, Millie kept books for the dairy, participated in the Dairy Women organization, and volunteered wherever needed at church and school events. She served in the community by taking tickets at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds for many years and working for Lynden Christian Schools’ Cash From Trash.
Dale and Millie were longtime members of Third Christian Reformed Church and charter members at United Reformed Church of Lynden. Millie was known for being organized, efficient and forthright. She was so proud of her family, enjoying their laughter, withstanding their boisterous teasing and loving the general hubbub whenever they were together. She was an avid game-player, enjoying competition and loving to win. Not one to sit idly, she crocheted hundreds of potholders, generously sharing them with family and friends.
Millie was preceded in death by her husband Dale in 2006 and sister Priscilla Vander Griend.
She is survived by her sister Phyllis “Boots” Roosendaal; sons Jerry (Linda), Gerald (Jan), Ken (Sally) and Craig (Jolene); grandchildren Keri (Barrie), Travis (Kelly), Crystal (Ben), Kara, Katie (Matt), Molly, Bryce (Heidi), Jordan and Morgan; 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be sorely missed by all.
You are invited to join family and friends for a 12:15 p.m. graveside committal in Monumenta Cemetery on Monday, Oct. 16, followed by a 1 p.m. memorial service in United Reformed Church with Pastor Mark VanderPol officiating.
Memorials are suggested to United Reformed Church, 8650 Benson Rd., Lynden, WA 98264; or Lynden Christian Schools, 417 Lyncs Drive, 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.
