Virginia "Jean" Kortus

Virginia "Jean" Ruth Kortus, age 93, of Lynden, WA passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, leaving a legacy of love, kindness and strength. Jean was born October 11, 1932, in Lynden, Washington to Raymond and Henrietta (Zwanstra) Tjoelker. She married the love of her life Tony Kortus on June 11, 1954. Together they had three sons and owned and operated a dairy farm in Custer WA for over 40 years. After retirement, they moved to Lynden and she worked part-time at Quality Inn Baron Suites in Bellingham as a breakfast hostess. Strong in her faith, she was a lifetime member of Second Christian Reformed Church in Lynden, WA.

She will be lovingly remembered by her son, Rich (Linda) Kortus, grandchildren, James, (Meghan) Kortus, Sara (Jerimie) Young, Troy (Bailey) Kortus; son Randy Kortus, grandchildren Melissa Kortus, Mark (Lindsey) Kortus, Michael (Tess) Kortus, and granddaughter in law Mandi Kortus; son, Ray Kortus and granddaughter Tawnee Hilmer, great grandchildren, Jayda, Quincy, Mikayla, Grant, Easton, Kolston, Brandt, Jaxton, Dallas Lyla, Devyn and Korbin. Brothers Raymond Tjoelker and Art (Phyllis) Tjoelker; sister Etta (Harold) Carbee, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, Raymond and Henrietta Tjoelker, husband Tony Kortus, daughter-in-law Jana Kortus, grandsons Stephen Kortus and Matthew Kortus, granddaughter Mandy Kortus, and sisters, Adrianna Tjoelker, Shirley Polinder and Margaret Baron.

At her request there will be no funeral service. A Graveside service for family and friends will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Monumenta Cemetery in Lynden WA. Following will be a gathering with refreshments at Second Christian Reformed Church in the basement. In lieu of flowers, Memorials in Jean's name maybe be made to Ebenezer Christian school at 9340 Guide Meridian Rd., Lynden, WA 98264.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.