Bennink, Helen M. (Huyser) 1913-2002

BENNINK, HUYSER, VERROS

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 8/7/2005 at 15:16:26

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Helen M. Bennink, 88, of Phoenix, Ariz., and formerly of Pella, died Dec. 27 at the Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, Ariz.

Her funeral service will be Saturday, Jan. 12, in the chapel of Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home in Pella, the Rev. Henry J. Vermeer officiating. Burial: Oakwood Cemetery in Pella. Memorials: Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014-5699.

Helen Maria Huyser was born Sept. 9, 1913, on the family farm east of Pella to Marinus W. and Antoinette Verros Huyser. She attended Black Oak Country Grade School. Her family moved to Pella, and she graduated from Pella High School as salutatorian in 1931. She studied English at Central College, where she sang in the a capella choir; she graduated in 1935. She taught high school in Modale.

On June 16, 1938, she married the Rev. Arthur J. Bennink at First Reformed Church in Pella. Helen assisted Arthur in ministry in various congregations in New York, and in Sully 1944 to 1948. Arthur then taught at Central College for 10 years. They then moved to Phoenix, Ariz., for Arthur's health. They attended Longview Reformed Church in Phoenix. Arthur died March 21, 1967, in Phoenix.

Helen then became an elementary teacher's aid in the Phoenix School System for several years. She enjoyed a summer home in Prescott, Ariz., and attended Prescott Community Church when able. She enjoyed hiking, cooking, crafts and playing piano. She loved visiting the beach, especially in La Jolla, Calif.

She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law: Darl and Brianna Gardner Bennink of Phoenix, Ariz.; a daughter and son-in-law: Ellen and Jack Kitchen of Scottsdale, Ariz.; a sister and brother-in-law: Arvena and Jacob B. Dahm of Pella; and many other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

The Oskaloosa Herald, January 11, 2002