Davis, Christina 1923-2011

DAVIS, VAN GELDER, DYKSTRA

Posted By: Mary Lou Verburg (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:33

Christina (Van Gelder) Davis, 87 Parker S.D. went home to be with the Lord on Sunday Jan. 30 2011.
Christina was born on March 4, 1923 at Hawarden Iowa to John and Fannie (Dykstra)Van Gelder. Her father passed away at the age of 45 which caused Chris and her siblings to begin working at a young age. She babysat and mowed lawns for people as well as doing other chores. She grew up in Monroe, S.D. and graduated from Monroe High school in 1940. At an early age she exhibited a talent for music and learned to play the organ and cornet and enjoyed singing. She was baptized in the Reformed faith and later became a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church. Christina and John Davis were united in marriage on May 24, 1949 at the family farm near Parker. Christina and her two sisters all married young men with the last name of Davis. Her sisters married brothers and Christina married their cousin. Three children were born to John and Christina; Jan, James and Richard. Christina worked alongside her husband on the family farm for many years and enjoyed farm life. She contracted Multiple Sclerosis in her mid twenties and fought a valiant battle against the disease. For the past 15 years she resided at Tiezen Memorial Home, Marion, and was an inspiration to others with her courage and positive attitude. She will be remembered for her inspirational sayings, tenacity and work ethic.

She is survived by her children; Jan (Larry) Schmidt, Parker, James (Marlys) Davis, Parker, and Richard (Robin) Davis, Absarokee, MT; seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, sister Dena Davis, Parker, brothers Sid Van Gelder, Springfield MO. and John Van Gelder, Lakeville, MN and sister in law Delores Van Gelder Sioux Falls, S.D.
Christina was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four infant grandchildren, brothers, Arthur and Ralph Van Gelder, sister Johanna Davis; sisters in-law Phyllis and Lucille Van Gelder and brothers-in-law Harley Davis and Marlin Davis.
Memorials will be directed to the National MS Society and First Presbysterian Church, Parker.

Source: Obituary Feb. 4 2011