Gertrude Adeline Haveman, 89, died suddenly on Jan. 9, 2011, at Whidbey General Hospital, Coupeville. She was an Oak Harbor pioneer, born on Jan. 2, 1922 to Peter and Paulina (Roodzant) Rip at the family farm on what is now the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station golf course. She grew up on the farm and attended public school in Oak Harbor.

Gert was married to Howard A. Haveman on April 27, 1951 in Oak Harbor. Gert began working for NAS Whidbey as a Fiscal Accounting Clerk but quit work to raise her family.

She enjoyed camping and gardening, she greatly loved her family and her grandchildren and great grandchildren and, above all, she loved and served her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was raised in the Christian Reformed Church, but for the past 14 years, has been an active member of the Sovereign Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Oak Harbor. She enjoyed collecting family history and also loved to write letters to deployed service members of her church family. She also loved to give and receive hugs.

Gert is survived by her husband Howard of Oak Harbor; by three sons, Ronald Haveman and wife Carol of Marysville, and Steven and Randall Haveman, both of Oak Harbor; grandson Bradley Haveman and wife Jana and great grandson Micah of Edmondton, Alberta; grandson Travis and wife Darla and great granddaughter Danielle of Ripon, Calif.; and granddaughter Tamara of Bellevue. She was preceded in death by one sister Rosa Koorn and two brothers Lawrence “Laurie” Rip and Jacob Rip.

Graveside Funeral Services were held at Fircrest Cemetery, Oak Harbor, on Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. Memorial services followed at the Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Robert Van Kooten officiating. A reception for family and friends followed. Memorials may be made to the Sovereign Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Friends and family may sign the guest register and leave messages of condolence at www.wallinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, Oak Harbor.