Bessie Mae Bultman Faber was born Jan. 20, 1920 in Oak Harbor. She was happy to make Whidbey Island her home all of her life. She passed away peacefully March 15, 2007 at Careage of Whidbey, Coupeville.

Her parents were Albert Bultman and Gertrude Holtgeerts Bultman who passed away in 1961 and 1984. Her sister-in-law, Alyda Bultman, also preceded her in death. She leaves behind her beloved sister and brother, Esther Jessie Bultman of Oak Harbor and Rev. James Alvin Bultman of Holland, Mich.

Becky’s husband Jake died suddenly on March 28, 1986. They had been happily married for 43 years. Only minutes after his passing she was able to testify to her neighbors, “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Becky leaves behind her two loving children, their spouses, and four granddaughters: Jay Alton Faber, wife Eileen Kay, and children Katherine Joy and Amanda Louise Faber of Bothell; and Lorinda Gail Veltkamp, husband Victor Vaughn, and children Myra Esther Veltkamp of Oak Harbor and Chloe Faith Veltkamp of Seattle.

Becky is also survived by sisters-in-law, Theresa Faber of Oak Harbor and Harriet Lundquist of Mount Vernon, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. These include her brother’s children and their families in Michigan: Tom Bultman, wife Betty, and children Samuel, David and Annie Bultman; and Lydia Bultman Frens, husband Keith, and children Cathryn, Kristen and Mark Frens.

Like many folks in the early days of Oak Harbor, Bessie Mae grew up on a farm. Her family enjoyed a sweeping view of West Beach from atop a windy hill. Her aunts teased her by calling her “Becky Swantown.” From that time on, Bessie Mae took the first name Becky.

Becky’s childhood memories included playing house around the farm, visiting with the Bultman grandparents and playing with cousins. Her father Albert worked long hours on the rocky, hilly land but always had time to play with his young children. Her mother, Gertrude, was a gifted homemaker who raised her children to be thoughtful, giving and firm in their Christian faith.

When her mother was seriously ill, Becky took over the cooking and housework for the family, plus doing farm chores. She was about 12 years old. Later, she also helped various families when a new baby had arrived and an extra hand was needed to tend to the children and the housework. Becky developed strength of character in these challenging situations. Nurturing others seemed to be her calling.

Becky was in the first freshman class to occupy the newly built Oak Harbor High School, now part of the Oak Harbor Elementary campus on Midway Boulevard. After graduating in 1938, she held various jobs in town. She worked at the local creamery, drove a First Aid vehicle for the Austin Company, the contractor who was building the Seaplane Base, and did bookkeeping at Oak Harbor Freight Lines.

At age 20, Becky and two Oak Harbor friends worked as maids in Pasadena, Calif. This independent venture lasted several months and then Becky was happy to return to Whidbey Island to stay.

Eventually she married Sgt. Jacob Faber on Oct. 22, 1943. They lived in Tacoma near McChord Field where Jake was in the Army Air Corps. He went overseas and Becky returned to her family home until his safe return from the war in the Pacific.

Becky was a lifetime member of the Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church. She and Jake were third generation descendants of charter members B.J. and Bentje Bultman and Jacob and Aaltje Balda.

A devoted church worker, Becky taught Sunday school at Dewey Beach Chapel and the Christian Reformed Church.

She served as Sunday school superintendent and both taught and directed vacation Bible schools. She was a member of the Mission Circle and served as president of the Northwest Womens’ Missionary League. She supported Oak Harbor Christian School by participating in the service activities of the Mothers Club.

Becky Faber was a cheerful Christian who loved people and loved her Lord. Her family and friends will remember her for her happy spirit, her encouraging words, and her devotion to church and family.

Funeral services are under the direction of Burley’s Funeral Chapel. Graveside services for Becky Faber will take place at Fircrest Cemetery, Saturday, March 24, at 1 p.m., followed by a 2 p.m. memorial service at Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church, 1411 Wieldraayer Road, off Swantown Road.

Pastor Randy Beumer will officiate. Viewing will be held at Burley’s Funeral Chapel, Friday, March 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Oak Harbor Christian School and Shoreline Christian School.