Damstra, Betty Allen (Mrs. Julius) 1943-2008

DAMSTRA, LANDHUIS, RENSINK

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-Volunteer
Date: 7/23/2014 at 14:38:45

Source: American Reformed Church orbit (10-21-2008)

Born: September 23, 1943
Died: October 17, 2008

Betty Ellen (Rensink) Damstra, the daughter of John and Aleida (Landhuis) Rensink, was born in Hull, Iowa on September 23, 1943. Betty’s mother was 38 and her father was 72 when she was born. She had several half-brothers and one half-sister who were grown when she was born. Betty spent her childhood years in Boyden, Iowa and graduated from Boyden High School. When Betty was just eleven years old, her father passed away and her mother became ill. She was then raised by her half-brother and sister-in-law, Len and Iva Rensink. Betty spent many hours with her nieces and nephews on the Rensink Farm. She enjoyed dancing the jitterbug and roller skating when she was young.

She was united in marriage to Julius Damstra on August 11, 1961 at Len and Iva’s home in Boyden. The couple farmed three miles west of Primghar, Iowa. They were blessed with one daughter, Debra. Early in their marriage, when Betty was just 20 years old, their life-long struggle with Multiple Sclerosis began.

As a young farm wife and mother, Betty enjoyed cooking, sewing, managing the house and driving the tractor during hay baling. She loved to swim. She also enjoyed reading, crocheting, and playing cards. Betty and Julius had a camper and did a lot of traveling. Every summer, she looked forward to sweet corn season. She enjoyed living on the farm. Many people remember her as one who often sent cards and called them on their birthday. Betty was a good listener with a special sense of humor. She never complained and looked for the good in everyone and everything. Her grandchildren were very special to her.

Having fought a good fight, Betty passed away at Baum Harmon Mercy Hospital in Primghar, Iowa on October 17, 2008 at the age of 65.

Survivors include her husband Julius of Primghar; her daughter Debra and her husband Steve Prins of Hartley, Iowa; three grandchildren: Bridget Leach and her husband Jason of Harrisburg, South Dakota, Jodi Boyd of Boyden, and David Boyd of Hartley; one great-granddaughter Karalynn Leach; as well as many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; five half-brothers: Henry, Harry, Benjamine, Leonard, and John, Jr. Rensink; one half-sister Henrietta Teeselink.