Bertha Bratt

Bertha Bratt, age 91, passed peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus early Friday, March 25, 2011, in Bellingham. A lifetime resident of Lynden, Bertha was born on Jan. 3, 1920 to Marinus and Alice Geleynse. She attended Lynden Christian School and worked locally before being married to Arie Bovenkamp in 1944. They were blessed with five children. Bertha was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker; a superb cook and baker. She won many Lynden Tribune baking contests and one of her recipes was published in a national cookbook; "Best of Country Cookies". She taught many of her grandchildren her love of crocheting. She loved spending time with her family. Bertha had a loving and gracious spirit in all that she said and did. She loved the Lord above all. She loved deeply and was deeply loved by her family and friends. Arie died of cancer in 1973, and Bertha was remarried to Dan Bratt in 1989. Together, they enjoyed travel and blended family activities. She loved her step-kids and step-grandkids as her own. She was predeceased by: her first husband, Arie; step-grandson, Derek Bratt, in 1995, son, Dale, in 2001; sister, Dena Bierlink, in 2006; brother, John Geleynse and great-granddaughter, Esther Jade Zylstra, in 2010. She is survived by: her husband, Dan Bratt; sons Bob (Gloria) Bovenkamp of Lynden and Glen (Melissa) Bovenkamp of Seattle; daughters Mary (Lloyd) Elenbaas and Joan (Roger) Roosendaal, all of Lynden; a daughter-in-law, Ginger Bovenkamp of Denver; 14 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren; sister Helen (Earl) Barrent of Denver; brother-in-law Bill Bierlink of Quincy; sister-in-law Marguerite Geleynse of Lynden; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives; step-daughters Ruth (Jim) Buteyn and Connie (Vance) Hays and step-sons Dan (Kathy) Bratt, Calvin (Melinda) Bratt, Phil (Landi) Bratt, Mark (Carol) Bratt, Jim (Cheryl) Bratt and Tim (Carol) Bratt; 32 step-grandchildren and 17 step-great-grandchildren. Visitation hours will be Wed., April 6, 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Gillies Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 7 at 1:00 pm at North County Christ the King Church; 1835 Liberty St. Lynden. A private family burial will precede in Monumenta Cemetery. Memorials in Bertha's name may be made to Starfish Ministries; 1706 Front St. Suite 440 Lynden, WA 98264 or Young Life of North Whatcom County; P.O. Box 213 Lynden, WA 98264. You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com Arrangements are with Gillies Funeral Home of Lynden