After a brief illness, Joanne Kay Vander Heide Terpsma heard those most- anticipated words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” on Friday, December 16, 2016, at the age of 72.
   Born on August 14, 1944, in Marion, Michigan, Jo milked cows and worked on her father’s dairy farm which was nicknamed “Cows and Dolls.”  She attended Calvin College where she not only studied to be a teacher, but met the love of her life, Jerry Terpsma.  After their marriage on August 12, 1966, they ventured to Ripon, California, where they enjoyed making memories with their four children.  Jo taught at Ripon Christian Schools, later stayed home with her children, and even later, worked at Bethany Home and Beth Haven.
  A treasured wife, mom, grandma, great grandma, and friend, Joanne is survived by her loving husband, Jerry of Ripon; children Karen (Scott) Viss, Debbie (Gary) Smith, Donna (Timothy) Schoolland, and Keith (Karrie) Terpsma, all of Ripon.  Also, 14 grandchildren:  Jefrey (Marissa) Viss, Kerrie Viss, Janeen (Daniel) Dykxhoorn, and Corey Viss; Gianna and Natasha Smith; Benjamin, Luke, Anika, Tessa, Hans, and Jessie Schoolland; Caleb and Eli Terpsma; and one precious great grandson, Kash Viss.  Also, sisters Lois Vander Heide, Esther (Larry) LeFebre, Ruth Vander Heide, Hilda (Dave) Schut, Sara (Karl) Marr, all of Michigan, and Mary Ennenga of Wisconsin.  In addition, Joanne leaves behind a beloved community of friends and church family.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Marguerite Vander Heide.  Grandma T. was adored by her grandchildren, and having them all within 10 minutes of her home enabled her to both assist and spoil them often.  Jo was gracious and merciful, with a special heart for the young and old alike.  A typical day saw her busy bringing a meal and a visit to someone in need, driving a grandchild to a practice or appointment, and then reading to a toddler in her living room. 
   An avid Ripon Christian fan, she did not miss many sporting or musical performances!  Her door was always “open” to everyone, and her children and grandchildren never needed to knock.  She blessed her grown children greatly and gifted her grandchildren with her time.  Jo had a beautiful and enormous love for all, and a sweet smile for everyone she met.  She lived and loved well while serving her Lord and Savior in all she did.
   Remembrances may be sent to Bethany Home or Ripon Christian Schools.  A visitation will take place on Thursday, December 22, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Deegan Funeral Home, in Ripon.  A “Celebration of Life” service will be held on Friday, December 23, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church, in Ripon.  This service will be streamed live on the Almond Valley CRC website.

Ripon
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Tuesday, December 20, 2016