Romkema, Barbara (Mrs. James) 1959-2016

ROMKEMA, WEISS, BENES

Posted By: Mary L Verburg Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/10/2017 at 15:58:52

Barbara Jean (Weiss) Romkema 56, of Durham, NC, passed away on Monday May 16, 2016. There will be a memorial service on Sat., May 28, at 2:30 p.m. at Prairie Ridge Care Center in Orange City.
Barbara was born on Oct. 7, 1959, in Ann Arbor MI. the daughter of Raymond and Dorothy (Benes) Weiss.

She was raised in Manama, Bahrain, during her early childhood, which significantly shaped her world view and later moved her to teach her children to think critically about the diverse world they live in.
Upon relocating to the States with her family, Barb finished middle school and high school in Orange City.
Barb went on to earn her B.A. in English and humanities at Northwestern College in Orange City, followed by an M.A. in English from Iowa State University in Ames.

Over the years she drew upon her skills and interests towards a variety of projects and pursuits, including teaching English to refugees, free-lance writing, lobbying in the state legislature, training numerous staff and volunteers on disabilities and integration, acting in community theater productions and, of course raising her children.

On June 28 1979 Barb married James Leroy Romkema at Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City.
They made their homes in rural MN. and rural IA. After enjoying 33 years of marriage and a full house of kids together, Jim passed away at the age of 57 on April 22, 2013.
Several years later Barb and her son Craig relocated to Durham to be near to daughters Erica and Elena.
Barb enjoyed traveling, being outdoors, stitchery, reading extensively and spending time with her family. Her most recent vacation to Duck, N.C. with her children included parasailing, sliding down dunes, kayaking and lots of beach sunrises.
She will be remembered for her compassion, determination, loyalty and bright spirit.

Survivors include her four children, Craig Romkema of Durham, Erica Romkema of Efland, N.C. and Elena and her husband John Ballam of Cary N.C., as well as their daughter Brielle, and Christopher Romkema and his wife Kimberly of Omaha, NE; her parents Raymond and Dorothy Weiss of Orange City; and sister and two brothers Catherine Bell and her husband Mark of West Lafayette, IN., David Weiss and his wife Cari of Austin, TX, and Tim Weiss and his wife Heather of Waukee, IA.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim.

Source: Orange City Capitol 5-26-2016