Betty L. Reijm went home to be with the Lord on March 14, 2011. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side.

She was born on September 17, 1927 in Gronigen, the Netherlands to Hendrik and Patricia VanEsch, the 1st of 9 children.

In 1947, Betty immigrated to the United States with her family, and she met who would become her husband, Wilbur VanderWal on the ship to America. They settled in Artesia, California, began a dairy, and had 5 daughters and 1 son.

In 1959, they moved to Skagit Valley and were proud to become American citizens. Betty and Wilbur continued in the dairy business until Wilbur's death in 1963.

Years later, Betty married widower Jake Reijm of Burlington, who had 5 sons and 2 daughters, together they had another daughter, and raised their families together on the Samish River Dairy.

Betty was a long-time member of the Alger Christian Reformed Church Ladies Aid, and taught Sunday school.

She was devoted to her family and her garden, and she tended both with loving kindness. Betty was known for always having a cup of coffee ready to enjoy with a friend, of which she had many.

Betty and Jake enjoyed trips with the Washington Dairy Federation, and several trips to the Netherlands. After her husband Jake passed away in 1981, she continued to run the farm until retirement.

According to Betty, her complaints were few and her blessings were many, she enjoyed visits with her children and grandchildren.
Betty was preceded in death by her husbands Wilbur VanderWal and Jake Reijm, her brothers John and Pete, her sister Swaanje, and son Adri Reijm.

She is survived by her brothers Hank, Randy, Andy, and Ralph VanEsch, and her sister Anne Barnett, as well as her children Misty (Bob) Blair, Pat (Steve) Wendland, Liz Wiles, Wilma (Doug) Faber, Rick (Diane) VanderWal, Debbie (Charles) Hungerford, Mary VanderPol, Tom (Carol) Reijm, Jackie (Paul) Nelson, Ken (Denise) Reijm, Bob (Teresa) Reijm, Bill (Melissa) Reijm, Rose (Allen) Gordon, as well as 20 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank lifelong friends Jill Haagsma and Grace Oosterhof, as well as her dear caregiver, Isabel Hernandez.
A private family burial service will held at Hawthorne Memorial Park in Mount Vernon, with Celebration of Life Memorial Service to be held Monday, March 21st at 2:30 in the afternoon at Alger (CRC) Community Church 1415 Silver Run Lane, Bellingham. All who knew and loved Betty are welcome to attend.
You may share your memories of Betty and sign her online guest register at www.kernfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Skagit Valley Herald on Mar. 17, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for BETTY REIJM

6 Entries

Linda Stearns

March 29, 2011

I am so sorry to hear of Betty's passing. My prayers go out to the family.

Gary Van Esch

March 23, 2011

So sorry to hear about Betty's passing. As her nephew, I enjoyed staying with her when my family and I came up for a visit to the farm. Who ever said she always had a cup of coffee ready could not have spoken that point more truely.

Having grown up not speaking Dutch, it was always fun for me to sit and listen to Betty as she would speak it while entertaining her guests from the Netherlands.

I was hoping to make the services for her and take the opportunity to visit each of you, my relatives. It has been so many years since our last meeting. I would like so much to stay in touch. Please contact me via facebook.

Marilyn Olson

March 22, 2011

So sorry to hear of your mothers passing. I truely enjoyed getting to knowing your mother when she was living at Mt. Glenn. She always had a smile, and my mother enjoyed her company at their table during meals.
My prayers are with you and your family.

Catherine Dostart

March 21, 2011

Betty always had a smile on her face, and was so patient while managing a busy household. I have fond memories from the Beaver Marsh farm, the house in Mount Vernon and then the farm on the Samish River... Catherine Huizenga Dostart