Elizabeth May Boxum

Elizabeth (Betty) May Boxum, age 91, went to be with Jesus on Friday, September 27, 2013. Betty was born in Cawker City, KS, on Oct. 30, 1921, to August and Anna Reling. Betty was a WWII bride and married the love of her life, Ben Boxum, on September 8, 1943 while Ben was on a three day pass from Ft. Paine in Everett, WA. Before Ben was sent overseas to Japan, Betty served her country by painting war airplanes at Paine Field. She would pack a lunch for Ben and herself, and the newlyweds would eat lunch together each day, perched on the wings of an airplane. A natural student, Betty attended college at Kansas Wesleyan University for two years and then taught in rural schools in Kansas before and after her marriage to Ben. In 1955 Ben and Betty moved to Sumas, WA, with their two children, Vivian and Steve. There she taught alongside Ben at Sumas Christian Grade School for a short time until the birth of their third child, Lavonne. In 1958 the Boxum family relocated to Lynden, WA. Betty was a faithful wife, often waiting up for Ben to return from a late meeting at Lynden Christian Schools where he served as Superintendent. She regularly entertained the faculty wives from LCHS in the couple’s home, and also had the entire faculty for delicious Christmas lunches. Betty was an exceptional cook and baker and was known especially for her superb pies. New moms from church and school were always the delighted recipients of one of Betty’s pies. Ben likes to joke that there was a baby boom at Bethel CRC when young couples became aware of Betty’s pie ministry. Loving and needing to continue learning, Betty took a cake decorating class and delighted Ben, her children (and later grandchildren) with delicious and perfectly decorated birthday cakes. Along with being a full time wife and mom, Betty used her English grammar skills by grading English papers for high school teachers from the Bellingham Public School system. In 1965 Ben and Betty were blessed with another son, David. With just two of the four children left at home, she secured a part time job at the Lynden Tribune doing proofreading and various other jobs. She loved her work at the “Trib” and made many dear friends there. Betty is survived by her loving husband Ben Boxum of 70 years. She leaves loving memories to be cherished by her four children and their spouses: Vivian (Marlo) Covey, Steve (Carolyn) Boxum, Von (Greg) Geleynse, and David (Peggy) Boxum. Betty also had 12 grandchildren: Mike, Mark, Matthew, Tim and Jon Covey; Tara (Storness-Bliss), Joel 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 and many nieces and nephews. The family thanks Meadow Greens, the Christian Health Care Center, and Hospice for their compassionate care, and also to the many friends of Betty who have ministered to the family in so many ways. You have truly been the hands and feet of Jesus. Farewell Tribute Information Visitation hours will be held at the Bethel CRC, 1105 Liberty St., Lynden from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, October 3rd. A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, October 4th, at 2:00 P.M. at Bethel CRC. Donations Information Memorials are suggested to Lynden Christian Schools, 417 Lyncs Dr., Lynden WA, 98264.

Elizabeth May Boxum

October 30, 1921 - September 27, 2013