Heinen, Sandra Joan (Ravenhorst) 1951-2006

HEINEN, RAVENHORST, LOUWS

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/23/2006 at 18:33:59

Sandra Joan Ravenhorst was born on January 14, 1951, in Lynden, Washington. She was the first of three children that were born to Richard and Jeanne Louws Ravenhorst.

Sandi, as she was known, spent her early childhood years there but did quite a bit of moving because of her father's education position as a school principal. Moving from the states of Washington to California to Michigan to Wisconsin created a love for travel and teaching in Sandi. Teaching had a big influence on Sandi's life as she often indicated she wanted to be a teacher when she grew up. As a child Sandi's favorite past-time was needlework, especially crocheting. She taught herself and then she taught her sister. Sandi graduated from Oostburg High School in Oostburg, Wisconsin where she received multiple music awards and was always on the honor roll.

She met David John Heinen when she was 16 years of age. They both attended the same high school and Young People's Society in Oostburg and later enrolled at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa. After one year of college Sandi served as a long term volunteer for one year assisting with the establishment of a new Christian Reformed Church in Davenport, Iowa.

Sandi and Dave were united in marriage on August 19, 1971, at the Oostburg Christian Reformed Church in Oostburg. After Sandi and Dave were married they called Sioux Center "home" as Dave was still in college there. Sandi sought employment at a local café to help make ends meet. Following Dave's graduation from college with his degree in teaching they moved to Savannah, Georgia. It was here that their daughter, Jodi Michelle, was born on October 4, 1974. In 1976 Sandi and Dave moved to Pella, Iowa, as Dave took a teaching position at the Pella Christian High School. On February 26, 1977, their son, Jonathan David, was born. Sandi and Dave's marriage was made special by their team work and communication and their common goal of establishing a Christian family.

In 1983 Dave began working with the Heritage Lace Company in Pella as one of the original employees and in 1984 Sandi became the Heritage Lace Home Contractor Coordinator, as sewing was one of her favorite interests. Sandi was diagnosed with cancer in 1995 and subsequently retired from her position at Heritage Lace in 2000.

There have been many treatments and physical and emotional trials over the past 10 years, but Sandi attributed her inner strength to God leading her. She passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, March 17, 2006, in the presence of her family at her home in a beautiful country setting near Pella, Iowa. "I love this place", said Sandi where she had just recently observed her 55th birthday and was touched by the many friends and family who came to see her that day.

Sandi was very proud of her family and loved them very much. They are her faithful husband, Dave; their two children: Jodi and her husband, Jeremy Vande Noord of Prairie City, Iowa; Jon Heinen and his wife, Tricia (Vander Molen) of Pella; four grandchildren: Jaydon Vande Noord, age 5and Janae Vande Noord, age 2; Maclane Heinen, age 3 and Morgan Heinen, age 2; her parents: Richard and Jeanne Ravenhorst of Zeeland, Michigan; her brother, Scott Ravenhorst and his wife, Louise of Chino Hills, California; her sister, Judi and her husband, Barry Meerman of Grand Rapids, Michigan; her mother-in-law, Doris ( Leys ) Heinen of Oostburg, Wisconsin; and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jack and Mariann Heinen of Grand Rapids; along with several nieces and nephews. Sandi was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Alfred Heinen.

Sandi was baptized in Lynden, Washington, made profession of her faith in Oostburg, Wisconsin and was a faithful member of the Faith Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa. Sandi, a servant hearted person, was more concerned about people than material things. She viewed raising her family as Christians as a major accomplishment in her life. She was content with her life and was a role model for her children and family and was an inspiration to her many friends.

For those desiring memorials may be designated for the Pella Christian High School Building Fund.

The Pella Chronicle, April 17, 2006