Benjamin Harry Boxum

Resident of Lynden Benjamin Harry Boxum, age 91, went to be with Jesus on Monday, March 3, 2014. He had been living at the Christian Health Care Center since May, 2013. Ben was born at home in Jewell County, Kansas, on April 22, 1922, to Harry and Bertha Boxum. He was married to Elizabeth (Betty), who preceded him in death five short months ago, on September 27, 2013. Just prior to Betty’s passing, they had celebrated 70 years of marriage on September 8. Ben had a passion for education. His first teaching job was in a one-room country schoolhouse in Kansas. His young teaching career was interrupted by World War II. After serving in the Army Air Corps, he returned to Kansas, teaching in elementary schools while pursuing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in state colleges. Ben felt called to Christian education. Encouraged by his pastor at Dispatch CRC, he applied and was accepted at Sumas Christian School as teacher/principal. This opportunity, as well as having two brothers (Albert, Ed and their families) in Washington state, drew him to take his young family to the Pacific Northwest. After three years in Sumas, he relocated to Lynden Christian School, where he taught, coached and later served as superintendent. Even following his retirement in 1987, Ben continued to serve as a Christian educator. He served as an interim principal at Orange City Christian, and later at Sioux Center Christian schools in Iowa. At family gatherings Ben and his brothers, Albert and Ed, would keep everyone entertained with their Kansas stories. Laughter was a given. The stories he told gave all who listened a window into the heart and soul of who he was. Ben was a teacher, author and orator. He was a man of prayer and deep humility, spending much time in the Word. He was blessed with the gift of contentment, and a love for simple things: Homemade ice cream, nature, Shagren’s draft horses across from 8807 Benson Rd., books, poetry, gardening, Betty’s pies, Andy Griffith. Ben adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved people, and he and Betty often had after-church coffee guests. His capacity to joyfully embrace life was matched with a tenderness when sadness came to the lives of others. We thank God for the gift of Dad’s presence in our lives. Ben is survived by his four children and their spouses: Vivian (Marlo) Covey, Steve (Carolyn) Boxum, Von (Greg) Geleynse, and David (Peggy) Boxum. Ben also had 12 grandchildren: Mike (Jackie), Mark (Emily), Matthew (Charissa), Tim (Tracy), and Jon (Kelsey) Covey; Tara (Nathen) Storness-Bliss, Joel (Michelle) Boxum, and Ian Boxum; Jesse and Dana Geleynse; and Autumn and Anna Boxum; as well as 13 great grandchildren: Brady, Rachel and Addison Covey; Kendra, Carson and Kali Covey; Quin, Charles and Marlowe Covey; Kaitlyn and Carter Covey; Hattie and Benson Covey; and Serenity Storness-Bliss as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Visitation hours will be held at Moles Funeral Home, 1907 Front Street, Lynden, Friday, March 7, from 6-8:00 p.m. A memorial service is scheduled at Bethel CRC, 1105 Liberty St., Lynden, for Saturday, March 8, at 2:30 p.m. The family thanks the Christian Health Care Center for their compassionate care and devotion to Dad. We also would like to thank the Bethel CRC family who have loved, supported and ministered to Dad in so many ways. Farewell Tribute Information Visitation hours will be held at Moles Funeral Home, 1907 Front Street, Lynden, Friday, March 7, from 6-8:00 p.m. A memorial service is scheduled at Bethel CRC, 1105 Liberty St., Lynden, for Saturday, March 8, at 2:30 p.m. Donations Information Memorials are suggested to Lynden Christian Schools, 417 Lyncs Dr., Lynden, WA, 98264 or Christian Health Care Center, 855 Aaron Dr., Lynden, WA, 98264.

Benjamin Harry Boxum

April 22, 1922 - March 3, 2014