Mildred Elaine Likkel

Mildred Elaine Likkel took the hand of Jesus and went to her home in heaven on February 1, 2025 at the age of 88. Milly was born to John and Alice (Palmbos) Vanderwall in Cottonwood Idaho. She was their last child born 13 years behind her five siblings. She grew up on their family crop farm near Grangeville Idaho, walked to her country grade school with her neighbors, always being careful of that scary badger that lived in the hole along their driveway up to the road. Her parents retired and they moved into town. As high school approached for Milly her parents made a big move to Lynden Washington so that she could attend Lynden Christian where she graduated in 1954. Milly met her husband Calvin Likkel at Young Peoples at Third CRC. They were married on her 19th birthday, March 4, 1955. Together they ran the North Lynden Store – a small grocery store and gas station at the corner of Badger and Depot Road. Later they purchased the dairy farm right across the Badger. It was there they raised their four children – Darryl, Cindy, Karin & Ryan. Farming is a busy 24/7 life and Milly had much to do with chores, gardening, canning, sewing, and making applesauce,. Their farm also became the place where everyone stopped in for one of the best cups of coffee in Lynden, and Milly always had fresh cookies baked. Her cinnamon rolls were legendary, and she loved to bless family and friends with them! Milly was also involved at her church - Ladies Aid, Bible Studies, as a Sunday School teacher, a Shepherd, and serving in other church ministries as needed. In late 2003 Calvin became ill, which caused them to sell their cows, and in April of 2004 Calvin passed away. Milly continued to live on the farm until that roundabout came in on her corner. Being too close for comfort at that hazardous intersection she was ready to move. She moved to her condo on Aaron Drive and enjoyed many years there – still baking and serving coffee. Mom's home was open to all, and all were welcomed! One of the spiritual legacies she left was a love for inductive Bible Study, attending Precept classes whenever she could. The very last inductive study she did was in Psalms, around her own kitchen table, with five of her great grandchildren, and two neighbors! Milly also loved music, books, Siamese cats, sewing, crafts, and garage sales. She was famous for her Thursday letters. Each week these letters went out to more than 60 people. And now we all miss them. She was known by all her greats as "grandma great" and she really was – a great mother, grandmother and grandma great – who blessed her family well! Milly is survived by her children Darryl & Jeannie Likkel, Ryan & Traci Likkel of Lynden, Cindy & Gary Honcoop, Karin & Siulun Tam of Bellingham; grandchildren/great grands: Todd & Colleen Likkel (Emily, William) Jill Likkel, Daniel Likkel; Taya & Ross Black (Isaiah, Elijah, Judah, Jada); Britt & Shana Honcoop (Bayley, Luke), Brandon & Greta Honcoop (Ethan, Amelia) Taryn & Alex Potter (Antonio, Bryan, Zion, Hosanna, Ronen); Samuel & Emma Likkel, Maxwell Likkel, Jackson Likkel; brothers-in law Roger & Bernita Likkel of Battle Creek, MI., Stan Likkel of B.C. Canada, sisters-in-law Kay Likkel of Lynden; Lorraine & Bud Brouwer of Bellingham; and numerous other cousins, nieces and nephews she cherished. Milly was preceded in death by her husband Calvin, parents John & Alice, sister Cora, brothers Henry, John, Martin & Marion, brothers-in-law Albert, David and Ivan, sisters-in-law Beth, Anne, Gert, Barbara, Gert, Lois & Helen, in-laws Fred & Nancy Likkel, nephew Duane Likkel, and other beloved family members. Memorials are suggested to Lynden Christian School, The Timothy Initiative, Envision Mission. A private graveside service will be held at 10am on Friday, February 7th at Monumenta Cemetery. Following will be a memorial service held at Third Christian Reformed Church at 11am. Funeral services are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mildred, please visit our floral store.