By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Stena Van Andel
Ripon resident
Placeholder Image
Stena Van Andel, 99, of Ripon  died Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at Bethany Home. She was born to Klaas  and Gertie Vander Meer on April 23, 1910 in Vona, Colorado. In 1930  she went to work in Denver, Colorado, as a nanny for two little girls.  She moved to California in 1930 where she met Mike Van Andel and were  married on April 5, 1936. They lived in the Ripon area and farmed two  different ranches for many years. There they raised three children.  In 1979 they moved to Modesto and later returned to Ripon in 1996.  

Stena is survived by her children;  Geri & Bruce Hekman, Anita & Gary Hasper and Mike & Evelyn  Van Andel; her grandchildren Greg & Jeanette Hekman, Brent &  Sandy Hekman, Jana & Dan Tanis, Laurie & Chris Van Groningen,  all of Ripon, Scott & Kristy Hasper, Steve Hasper, Suzanne &  Philip Schuiteman, all of Michigan, David  & Barb Van Andel  of Romana, CA and Amy & Todd of Coarse Gold, CA, 21 great-grandchildren  and 2 great-great-grandchildren and one sister Theresa Verver of Ripon.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her three sisters Ann Danhof,  Gertie Eggink, and Henreitta Meninga and one brother Barney Vander Meer.  

Stena was a member of Almond  Valley Christian Reformed Church. Previous to this she was a member  of the Modesto Christian Reformed Church where she served as an organist  for over 50 years, taught Sunday school and participated in the many  activities of the church; she also did community service for the Salvation  Army and Inter-faith Ministries in Modesto and Ripon. Her great joy  was spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She also enjoyed traveling, numerous sporting activities and crocheting  blankets for her entire family.  

Visitation will be Sunday,  July 12, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel.  Graveside services will be Monday, July 13, at 1 p.m. at  Ripon Cemetery with a Memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. at Almond  Valley Christian Reformed Church. Deegan Funeral Chapel is in charge of services. On line guest book available at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com.   

Remembrances may be made to  Ripon Christian School 435 N. Maple Ave. Ripon, CA 95366 or Bethany  Home 930 W. Main St. Ripon, CA 95366.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Friday, July 10, 2009