Joan (Johanna VandenHoek) Rientjes, was born in Maple Lake, Minn., Aug. 16, 1915. She was received into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior April 26, 2005. As her husband Cornie held her in his arms, her Lord took her hand at 7:30 p.m., the exact time and day she and Cornie walked down the aisle on their wedding day 70 years ago.

Joan is survived by her beloved Cornie who was her constant companion and love of her life. Joan is also survived by her two daughters, Eleanor and husband Ellis Campfield of Maple Valley and Saralee and husband Jack Lathrop of Lynden. She is survived by seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Also three sisters, Wilhelmina Roberts of Oak Harbor, Cathy Riksen of Puyallup and Gert (Jude) VanderHoek of Lynden, as well as a large extended family.

Joan was preceded in death by her daughter Joyce Badgley, her mother and father John and Sara VandenHoek, three sisters, Marie Bernard, Sara Lofdahl and Bertha Jensen, and a brother, Cornelius VandenHoek.

Joan shared a wonderful life with Cornie in the ministry in various parts of Washington as well as being missionaries in Alaska. She led a life of giving and love to others. She shared her faith and love of the Lord to all she met. She always found the good in everyone. Joan always had a beautiful smile and always had a song to sing.

The family would like to thank the Christian Health Care Center and all the wonderful nurses and care givers who took care of her for the past four years. They not only cared for her, they truly loved her.

Graveside services were conducted Tuesday, May 3, in Greenwood Cemetery on East Wiser Lake Road followed by a celebration of life at 2 p.m., at Word of Life Outreach Center in Lynden.

Memorials may be made in Joan’s name to Christian Health Care Center, 855 Aaron Dr., Lynden, WA. 98264.

You may sign the on-line guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.

Services were under the care of Gillies Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Lynden.