Tina Dykstra

Tina Sylvia Dykstra went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 20, 2025. She was 91. Tina was born to Hendrik and Derkje Kielstra on April 28, 1934 in Kortwoude, Friesland, in the Netherlands. She was the middle child of nine. Tina went to the "School with the Bible" as a child. Then the war with Germany started in 1940. Tina lived in the Netherlands until 1956. She became a nurse then she immigrated to South Africa where she married Rients Dijkstra, August 11, 1956. They had dated when they were both in Friesland and she followed him to South Africa. Her name was Tietje then. Son John was born there. In October 1958, they moved to America, also changing their names to Raynard John and Tina Sylvia Dykstra. Living in Carlsbad, California for a while, where Ray was a machinist. Doreen and Henry were born there. Then they moved to Valley Center, California where they bought an egg ranch and Jackie and Walter were born. They lived in California for 20 years. Washington and dairy farming were their next venture, moving to Sumas where they lived for 16 years until retirement. They then moved to Axton Road where they enjoy gardening, going camping and spending time with family and friends. Ray passed away August 11, 2007, and soon Tina moved into Lynden. Tina loved Jesus and became a Christian at a young age. Sunday was her favorite day as she could go to church and then have coffee with friends. She loved people and gatherings. "Beppe tea" with all the family was the highlight of her month, the third Sunday of every month. She also loved making unique cards for people, knitting, crocheting, gardening and singing hymns at the senior center. She also liked playing cards with friends, puzzling and writing poems and stories. She was involved with Ruth Society and daughters of Zion. Tina is survived by her daughter Doreen (Marv) Heeringa, son Henry (Jennifer) Dykstra, daughter Jackie (Wayne) Kroon, son Walter (Tamara) Dykstra, 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by sister Reina (Wietse) Visser, sisters in-law, Sjoukje Kielstra and Mina Kielstra all in the Netherlands, along with many other relatives and friends in the Netherlands. Tina is proceeded in death by her husband Ray, son John, parents, three brothers and four sisters. Memorials may be made to the Lynden Community Center. A private graveside service will be Monday, September 29, 2025, at 10 a.m. in Sumas Cemetery followed by an 11 a.m. memorial service at First Christian Reformed Church, Lynden with Pastor Robert Woodyard officiating. All are welcome to the church service. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tina, please visit our floral store.