Nellie Sterk, age 83, of Lynden, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017 at Whatcom Hospice House.
Nellie was born in Corsica, South Dakota, on March 14, 1933 to parents John and Gertrude (Beukelman) Korevaar. She grew up attending Corsica schools with brother Adrian and sisters Effie and Rosemary. Nellie married John Sterk on Feb. 12, 1953 in Corsica and together they had three children.
Nellie worked for the Lynden School District as a cook and lunch aide. She loved to travel, play cards and games, gathering with family and friends. Nellie enjoyed baking and sharing desserts and singing.
Nellie was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, John, brother Adrian Korevaar and her parents.
She is survived by children Jody (Ted) Malinowski, Gene (Lorraine) Sterk, Alan (Sandi) Sterk and extended family Bobbie (Tim) Yazzalino; grandchildren Ryan (Katie) Sterk, Jeff (Samantha) Diehl, Jen (Omar) Favela, Kami (Chuck) Betker and Hayley and Natalie Corder; great-grandchildren Colden Sterk, Charlee Betker, Cameron Diehl, Cole Diehl and Olivia Favela. She will be missed by sisters Effie Uttecht and Rosemary Grosz and special friend Bob VanMersbergen and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
You are invited to join the family for visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, in Gillies Funeral Home. Graveside will be 1:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, in Monumenta Cemetery followed by a 2 p.m. memorial service in Faith Reformed Church with Pastor Jim Carberry officiating.
Memorials are suggested to Whatcom Hospice, 2901 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225.
You are invited to sign the online guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.
