Barbara Vinkes
May 19, 1931 - July 31, 2013
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Barbara Vinkes
May 19, 1931 - July 31, 2013
Obituary
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.
15 responses to Barbara Vinkes
Richard and Evelyn Zegers says:
July 31, 2013
Albert and family- We’re sorry to hear about Barb, but we know that she is with the Lord. We are praying that the Lord will surround you with his love and care.
Doreen Wolc says:
July 31, 2013
Aunt Barb, you are going to be so missed. We always looked forward to your visits to Wisconsin. It was always so nice sitting around the table and drinking coffee and just talking. You were a good listener. You are now with our other loved ones. You will be deeply missed. Love you so much.
Roger Zegers says:
July 31, 2013
Almost 50 years ago Al and Barb opened up their home to our family as we moved from California and dad was looking for work. After all these years I still look back and fondly remember those days. Us boys got to live in a tent in the yard, does it get any better than that? I also remember the awesome milk shakes ‘aunt’ Barb would make!
May our gracious God grant comfort to you all.
Judy (otter)mccombs says:
July 31, 2013
Vinkes family, So sorry to hear of Barb’s home going. She was a special lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jack and Evelyn Hoekstra says:
July 31, 2013
Dear Albert and family of Barb So sorry for your loss. This sweet lady is going to leave a big hole in your hearts, I know that our heavenly Father will be there and near to you all. May you feel His comfort and peace in the days and months ahead. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Ps 116:15