Julia Terpstra was born on May 21, 1917, to Tom and Grace (Berens) Hamming in Lucus, Mich., and was called home to her Lord on Friday, July 4, 2014, in Oak Harbor, Wash., at the age of 97.
The Hamming family moved to Lynden, Wash., and then moved several times. Then as an adult, Julia went to Grand Rapids, Mich., where she met her future husband, John Terpstra. They were married in Grand Rapids on July 31, 1942, and soon thereafter moved to Oak Harbor.
Five children were born,:Dennis, Alan, Karen, Greg and Gary.
Over the years, Julia and John raised their children with a deep faith in God and in family values. Julia was a longtime active member of the Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church and sang in the choir.
Julia especially enjoyed quilting, sewing, knitting, crocheting and other craft projects. She worked as a drapery seamstress for many years and loved to reupholster furniture.
Her husband, John, preceded her in death on March 16, 2008. They were married for 65 years. Julia will be dearly missed by her very large extended family as well as her many longtime friends.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, Dennis Terpstra (Gidget), Karen Roberts (Ashley), Dr. Gregory Terpstra (Wilma) and Gary Terpstra (Robbie). She has 15 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers, Elmer (Etta) Hamming, Tom Hamming, Gordon Hamming and Moe (Connie) Hamming, as well as sisters, Mary Fuller, Harriet Maginnis and Connie (Jim) Matthews.
Preceding her in death were her parents; sisters, Wilma Ekkelkamp and Betty Moore; and brothers, Ken Hamming and Jack Hamming.
A private family graveside service was held on July 11 at Fircrest Cemetery, Oak Harbor.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be at the Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, with Pastor Randy Beumer officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to Pregnancy Care Center of Oak Harbor, Wycliffe Bible Translators or the Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church in lieu of flowers.
