Our dear mother Phyllis Ann (Bouma) Lankhaar passed into the arms of Jesus on Aug. 28 at the age of 94.
Phyllis was born in Sioux City, Iowa on Dec. 7, 1928 and was placed in an orphanage in North Dakota. In 1929 at about 6 months of age she was adopted by her kind and loving parents Edward and Anna Bouma. The family moved to Wyoming to homestead in 1931, there she lived with her parents, her uncle Gus and Aunt Gertie Bouma and their boys Harold, Preston and Edward. She considered her cousins her brothers, they were always a big part of her life. Phyllis rode a horse to school 1.5 miles each way, where there were about 10 children in attendance.
The family moved to Lynden in 1939. She attended Lynden Christian grade school and Lynden High School, graduating in 1947. Shortly after that she met Foster Lankhaar while working at Elenbaas Dairy on Front Street. They married on July 21, 1949. In 1953 they bought a dairy farm in Sumas where she milked cows, tended a huge vegetable garden, and raised eight children. Phyllis had a great love for the Lord Jesus and for her family. She was a quiet, soft-hearted woman but also very strong, helping as much as possible in every situation.
Phyllis is survived by her children, Jim (Cheryl) Sharlene Van Winkle (Ken) Dale (Sherilyn) Nancy Grzymko (Rich) Wayne, Sharon Sletvik (Kevin) and Darlene. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Foster and her eldest daughter Janice.
Graveside service will be at Monumenta Cemetery in Lynden on Friday, Sept. 8 at 2 p.m.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
