Cornelis Benedictus Abelsma

Cornelis Benedictus Abelsma, 93, of Buchanan, Va., was ushered to his heavenly home and in the presence of Jesus on Thursday, January 15, 2009. "Kees" was born to the late Petrus and Cornelia Abelsma; and an older sister, Wijtke, in 'sGravenhagen, The Netherlands, on September 12, 1915. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. "Kees" enjoyed dancing and danced through life with his favorite dance partner, Helen, his loving wife of 50 years. He also enjoyed woodworking, traveling, and restoring old cars. His greatest pleasure was having his family around him. Until we see him again, "Kees" will be greatly missed by his wife; his children, Mrs. Jon Miller (Beatrix), of Durham, N.C., Maria J. Hatcher, of Buena Vista, Mr. Cornelis "Kees" Abelsma Jr., of Quantico, Mrs. Jeff Baker (Connie), of Buchanan, and Mrs. Greg Hepler (Honey), of Buchanan. "Opa" was also grandfather to Ansje and Lloyd Miller, Mrs. Roger Lessley (Lisa), Monica Phaup, Mrs. Randy Roberts (Daphne), Derek and Ryan Hepler, and Caleb Baker; as well as five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2009, in Valley View Baptist Church with the Rev. Daniel Boone officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday one hour prior to the service at the church and on Sunday, January 18, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home, 14920 Lee Highway, Buchanan, Va., 540-254-3000.