Betty Ann Meendering

Betty Meendering, age 90, longtime resident of Ontario, California, was welcomed into heaven on the morning of November 30, 2022. Betty was residing in a care facility in Claremont, California. She loved listening to hymns and knew all the words by heart.

Betty was born Elizabeth Ann Rietkerk on November 5th, 1932, in Upland California, to parents William and Irene. Betty was raised on a dairy. She was one of the first students at Ontario Christian School. After graduating eighth grade in a class of two, she attended Upland Academy, the Christian high school in the area. Following graduation, Betty studied at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with hopes of becoming a nurse.

During a visit back home, Betty met the love of her life, Elmer Meendering, at a game night at her pastor’s home. Elmer was visiting the area from Iowa. He subsequently moved to California, and they were married on June 18th, 1954.

Betty was hired by San Antonio Community Hospital and worked in the x-ray department. Later she was the receptionist/bookkeeper at Elmer’s furniture store. Ultimately she found her calling as the social services coordinator at Salem Christian Home where she worked for 20 years and retired in 1995.

Betty and Elmer had 3 children. Betty was a wonderful wife and mother. She had a ready, glowing smile and was a gracious hostess for her husband’s many last minute invitation to “come over for coffee.” Betty was an excellent seamstress and amazing cook and baker. She was kind, generous, and always willing to lend a hand wherever needed.

Betty loved the Lord and was a member of Ontario Christian Reformed Church for most of her life. In the 1990s, she transferred membership to Crosspoint Church, Chino.

Betty was widowed in 1992 and preceded in death by brother-in-law Jake (Gert) Meendering of Inwood, Iowa; sister-in-law Gertrude Statema (Lawrence Vander Haak and Archie Statema) of Lynden, Washington; and brother-in-law Paul Kats of Rock Valley, Iowa.

Betty is survived by her children Sheryl of Ontario, California, Patricia of Ripon, California, and Peter of Sacramento, California; sister Willene (Walt) De Groot of Grand Rapids, Michigan; brother Bill (Eleanor) Rietkerk of Mill Creek, Washington; sister-in-law Pat Kats of Rock Valley, Iowa; a number of cousins and many nieces and nephew across the United States.

Betty will be buried at Bellevue Cemetery in Ontario. There will be a graveside service on January 13th, 2023.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Draper-Mortuary.com for the Meendering family.