Elizabeth Bonnema

Elizabeth “Bets” Bonnema, age 97, of Sioux Center, Iowa passed away Monday, August 12, 2019, at Royale Meadows Care Center in Sioux Center, IA.

     A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, August 16, 2019, at First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center, IA with Reverend Kurt Monroe officiating.

     A prayer service for family and friends will be held prior to the service at 9:00 AM at First Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center. Interment will follow the prayer service at the Lebanon Cemetery of rural Sioux Center.

     Visitation will be Thursday, August 15^th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the First Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center. 

Elizabeth "Bets" Bonnema was born on January 31, 1922 to Antonie and Wilmina (de Graaf) Dekkers on a farm in the Hawarden area where she also grew up. Her mother passed away when she was two and her Tante Hannah took over the task of raising her and her brothers. Bets attended country school through the eighth grade.

On January 7, 1942, she married Henry Bonnema at her home. They farmed near Ireton for 38 years and were blessed with 10 children. During that time, they attended Lebanon CRC where she was a church organist and, together, they were janitors for several years. Her family was her pride and joy and she loved having everyone together.

After retiring to Sioux Center in 1980, they joined the First CRC. Bets had many musical talents including singing, playing piano and organ, as well as the harmonica. She crocheted afghans and embroidered dish towels for each of her children and grandchildren.

Henry passed away in 2006 and Bets moved to Franken Manor in 2007. She enjoyed visiting and outings, and played piano for resident gatherings there and at Royale Meadows, where she moved in 2016.

She is survived by her children: Dick and Harriet Bonnema of Ireton, Wilmina and Robert Vander Bush of Sioux Center, Anthony and Susan Bonnema of Sioux Center, Keith and Mary Bonnema of Sioux Center, Philip and Dawn Bonnema of Harrisburg, SD, Arlo and LaVonne Bonnema of Ireton, Byron and Lora Bonnema of Ireton, Henry Bonnema of Sioux Center, Glen and Bonnie Bonnema of Orange City; 30 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren; 22 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Henry Bonnema; a daughter, Myra Bonnema; a granddaughter, Kala Bonnema; five brothers: Adrian, Jan Willem, Hendrik, Pieter and Johan.