Henrietta “Etta” Hamming was called home to the Lord Jan. 14, 2015, at the age of 86. Etta was an Oak Harbor native, born here March 2, 1928, to Jake and Jennie (Fakkema) Balda. Etta graduated from Oak Harbor High School.

She was a life member of the Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church, and it was at church that she met a young man, Elmer Hamming.

She and Elmer were married in the Christian Reformed Church Sept. 2, 1952, and they celebrated 62 years of marriage this past September.

In 1948, Etta was hired as a cashier and bookkeeper for Western Farmers Co-Op. She served in all capacities, including assistant manager and manager before retiring in 1984 with 34 years of service.

She was a lifelong supporter of “The Back to God Hour” ministry.

She enjoyed needlepoint, painting and various computer games, but her real love was travel.

Etta and Elmer enjoyed traveling. They made several trips to Hawaii, visited Australia and New Zealand, took a cruise through the Panama Canal, and spent their winters as “snowbirds.” They pulled their RV south for more than 20 years, enjoying most of the southern U.S. and the warm, dry climate.

Etta is survived by her husband, Elmer, and one sister, Jo Balda, both of Oak Harbor, and by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and a large extended family.

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Sally Eerkes, Agnes Hamming and Elsie Balda, and one brother, Harry Balda.

Family graveside services for Etta will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, at Fircrest Cemetery, Oak Harbor. Memorial services will follow at the Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Randy Beumer officiating. Viewing for family and friends will be held 2-5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at Wallin Funeral Home, Oak Harbor.

Donations in Etta’s name may be made to the Oak Harbor Christian School Foundation.

Please visit Etta’s page in the Book of Memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC., Oak Harbor, Wash.