Julia Terpstra

Julia (Julie) Terpstra was born on May 21, 1917 in Lucus, Michigan to Tom and Grace (Berens) Hamming. She was called home to her Lord on Friday, July 4, 2014, at the age of 97. She had gone to lunch and was moving or dancing to the music in the dining room. Soon after lunch she was found in a nearby room kneeling beside a bed in prayer. She knew.

When she was about two years old, the Hamming family moved to Lynden, Washington where the children went to the Lynden Christian School. The family moved around a lot and finally settled in Oak Harbor.

Sometime later, Julia and brother Ken moved to Grand Rapids seeking work. There she met her future husband John on a blind date that was set up by Ken. Love blossomed. John Terpstra and Julia Hamming were married in Grand Rapids on July 31, 1942 and later moved to Oak Harbor.

During the next 11 years five children were born: Dennis, Alan (who only lived for about 6 months), Karen, Greg and Gary. Over the years Julia and John raised their children with a deep faith in God and in family values. Julia was a long-time active member of the Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church and sang in the choir.

Julia especially enjoyed quilting, sewing, knitting, crocheting and other craft projects. She worked as a drapery seamstress and loved to reupholster furniture. She often sewed cloth dolls and animals for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed cooking and making pies for family affairs.

Her husband John passed away on March 16, 2008, after 65 years of marriage. For the last few years, Julia lived at Regency of Whidbey, Oak Harbor, where she received excellent care. Julia will be dearly missed by her very large extended family around the country as well as her many long-time friends.

She is survived by their four children and their spouses: Dennis and Gidget Terpstra of Shoreline, WA; Karen and Ashley Roberts of Idaho Falls, ID; Dr. Gregory and Wilma Terpstra of Potosi, MO; and Gary and Robbie Terpstra of Chattanooga, TN.

Grandchildren and spouses are: Chris and Kristin Terpstra; Steve and Carrie Farsai; Colleen Burke; Julie Woodall; Nevelle and Janet Roberts; Shamiea Roberts; Kasha Roberts; Joel Roberts; Dr. John and

Kari Terpstra; Dr. Matt and Miriam Hill; Joe and Sarah Thrash; Tom and Marlene Steinke; Brian and Ashley Terpstra; Mark Terpstra; and Amy Terpstra.

Great grandchildren are: Talia, Toren, Daniella, Elisabelle, Christopher, Stephany, Nicholas, Jennifer, Saunie, Kaeden, Adrian, Keyiah, Aaliyah, Isaac, Sophia, Jackson, Blake, Gabrielle, Ryan, Aaron, Lauren, Nelson, Grace, Juliana, Henry, Clara, Ethan and Katelyn.

Great great grandchildren are: Weston, Lexie and Joseph.

Julia’s surviving siblings and spouses are: Elmer and Etta Hamming; Mary Fuller; Harriet Maginnis; Connie and Jim Matthews; Tom Hamming; Gordon Hamming; and Moe and Connie Hamming.

Preceded her in death were her husband, her parents, sisters Wilma Ekkelkamp and Betty Moore as well as brothers Ken Hamming and Jack Hamming.

A private extended family Graveside Service was held on Friday, July 11 at Fircrest Cemetery, Oak Harbor. Memorial donations may be made to Pregnancy Care Center of Oak Harbor, Wycliffe Bible Translators or the Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church.