Bonnie Ann VanderStoep, 79, lifelong Whidbey resident, walked into the arms of Jesus, May 5, 2012, surrounded by her loving family.

Bonnie was born in Coupeville on Nov. 19, 1932, to Fred and Grace Nienhuis. She married Ed VanderStoep in 1955 and they have four daughters: Judy (Pete) Stevenson, Linda (Glenn) Powell, Sheri (Vince) Bull and Cindy (Steve) Merritt. They have 11 grandchildren: Elissa Schouten, Adam Stevenson, Julianne Thompson, Eric Powell, James Powell, Curtis Powell, Cassidy Doolittle, Christen VerMeulen, Caitlin Bull, Barnabi Forsman and Torrey Merritt; and nine great grandchildren.

Besides her family, many enjoyed her delicious homemade cinnamon rolls and famous blackberry pie, which demonstrated her wonderful gift of hospitality. She enjoyed family gatherings from clam digging to family hymn sings; blackberry picking and many vacations in Mexico.

Bonnie worked as a bus driver for the Oak Harbor School District for ten years. Upon retiring from the school district Bonnie worked for Gloria Mouw in her daycare.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Donald Nienhuis.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years and her four daughters; eleven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; also, brother Bill Nienhuis and sister Frieda Heeringa, as well as numerous other relatives.

A Memorial Service will be held at First Reformed Church on Wednesday, May 9, at 2 p.m., Pastor Jon Brown officiating. Memorials are suggested to Alicia and Curt Powell, Doulos Discovery Ministries, PO Box 3080, Burnsville, MN 55337, or www.doulosdiscovery.org/donation.htm. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.