Barbara Vinkes

Barbara Ringnalda Vinkes died peacefully on July 31, 2013 at Christian Healthcare Center in Lynden, surrounded by her family. Barbara was born on May 19, 1931 in Los Angelas to parents Reinder Theunis Ren Ringalda and Dieuwke Dorothy Van der Kooi, who were both immigrants from Bergum, the Netherlands. They arrived in New York City on Christmas Eve 1927 aboard the ship the Ryndam. Barbara was raised in Lynden, where she married Albert Vinkes on April 1, 1952. She spent the majority of her life as a farm wife, raising four children and taking care of the family home in Everson. Her children call her a counselor, teacher, chef, and friend. She also worked at Fairway Cafe, Aries Meats, J.J. Newberrys five and dime store, and as a telephone switchboard operator. Barbara and Albert were snowbirds and spent many winters in Yuma, Arizona during their retirement. Barbara loved cooking, baking, sewing, reading, teaching Sunday school, and helping with church camp. She was a member of Faith Reformed Church in Lynden. Her friends and family were her joy, and she loved coffee time. She was an amazing listener. Barbara also enjoyed politics, and she volunteered at the voting polls for many years. Barbara is survived by her husband, Albert, of Lynden; son Everett (Lisa) Vinkes of Lynden; daughter Kathleen (Eric) Bates of Randolph, Wisc.; daughter Eileen (Gary) Hertel of Lynden; son Allen (Kristin) Vinkes of Blaine; sister Dorothy DeJager of Randolph, Wisc.; sister-in-law Ellen Ringalda of Vancouver, Wash.; and sister-in-law Stella Som of Lynden. Barbara has seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ren and Dorothy Ringalda, of Lynden; brother Thomas Ringalda of Vancouver, Wash.; sister Ruby Zegers of Salem, Ore.; and grandson Anthony, who died shortly after birth. Farewell Tribute Information A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 5, 2013 at Faith Reformed Church in Lynden following a private burial at Monumenta Cemetery. A viewing will be held 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 5 at Moles Farewell Tributes, 1907 Front St., Lynden. Donations Information Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Reformed Church Missions, 300 7th Street, Lynden, WA 98264.

Barbara Vinkes

May 19, 1931 - July 31, 2013