Ida Uiterdyk Obituary

Ida Uiterdyk was carried by the angels Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008, into the presence of Jesus, her Savior and her heavenly home.

Born Sept. 12, 1919, on a farm west of Anceney, Mont., Ida Dykstra was the first child of Andrew and Grace (Sinnema) Dykstra, and eldest of a host of Sinnema grandchildren. At the age of 6, her mother was stricken with a critical illness, was hospitalized for many years, but never recovered. A kind uncle and aunt, Sam and Ann Dykstra took her in and she lived with that family for ten years. She attended school at Vincent, Anceney, Barnhart, Heeb and Manhattan before rejoining her father and two brothers and taking up the task of cook and housekeeper.

Ida married Henry Uiterdyk April 2, 1941. Together they farmed six miles south of Churchill where they attended two worship services each Sunday.

Their marriage was blest with two sons and three daughters.

Ida lovingly performed her household duties as wife and mother, nurturing her children. She was a thrifty shopper and took delight in seeing her children in their Sunday best. Ida loved the Lord and set an excellent example of godly living for their five children. She often sang praises to God as she did her work, and even in old age she was able to sing from memory many of the gospel hymns.

She was always content, thankful and pleasant in every situation, truly a gem. Ida was very observant. She had a keen eye to see the beauty of a flower, enjoyed gardening and needlework. She loved to visit those who were ill or needed encouragement and sent cards and letters to countless people. Rarely did she forget a birthday or anniversary.

The couple retired from farming in 1980 and moved to Belgrade. She enjoyed traveling in the motorhome and spending winters in Arizona.

She was preceded in death by daughter, Marlys, 57, on Oct. 4, 2007.

Ida is survived by her loving husband of 66 years; children, Howard (Dorothy) Uiterdyk; Joyce (Winson) Elgersma; Mildred (Kenneth) Vos; and Leonard (Holly) Uiterdyk; brothers, Gordon and Norman; sisters-in-law, Hermina Bos, Willemina Van Egmond, Irene Kimm and Dee (David) Price; grandchildren, Delbert (Karen) Elgersma; Dr. Vincent (Laura Marie) Elgersma; Laura (Dave) MacDonell, and Chad Elgersma; Kurtis (Sharon) Vos; Brian (Brenda) Vos; and Sherilyn (Chad) Vandervalk; Jennifer (Kevin) Thompson, Justin, Josie and Jon Uiterdyk. Also surviving are 12 great-grandchildren and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at Hills Cemetery. Memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. at Manhattan Christian Reformed Church.