Wendlena “Wendy”, 89, joined her Lord and Savior February 18, 2012. Wendy was born in Ripon,CA to Ralph and Anne Hekman. She was the eleventh of twelve children.

Wendy was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Henry Groen, daughter Cheryl Haan, brothers, Pete, Walt, Ralf and Martin Hekman, and sisters, Beulah De Vries, Helen Roos, Anne Vander Plaats, Bertha Rylaarsdam and Elsie Krediet.

She is survived by her children, Bill Groen of Manteca and friend Peggie Kaelin; of Ripon, Sandra Magers and husband Joe of Houston,TX; Ron Groen and wife Chris of Allegan, MI; son-in-law Steve Haan and wife Nancy and her children Casey and Dana Johnson of Livermore, CA; grandchildren; Andrea and husband Ryan of San Diego; Cynthia Castie and husband Tommy of Taebaek, Korea; Chad Groen of Grand Rapids, MI; Anthony Groen of Denver, CO; Kyle Groen of Allegan, MI; brother Jake Hekman of Grand Rapids, MI; sister Gertrude De Boer and husband Willis of Grand Rapids, MI; and sister-in-law Gertrude Hekman of Grand Rapids, MI; Hattie Hansum of Platte, SD; and Sharon Groen of Placerville, CA.

Wendy was known for her award-winning quilts and countless donated embroidery towels, as well as her Lemon Meringue Pies, Banana Muffins, Oil Crisp Cookies and her beautiful garden of flowers. She will be dearly remembered by her family for her beautiful prayers and letters. Wendy was a lifetime member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Ripon.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 23, 2012 at Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. Graveside service will be Friday, February 24, 2012 at the Ripon Cemetery at 10:00 A.M. followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 A.M. at First Christian Reformed Church in Ripon. For condolences to the family please visit www.deeganfuneralchapels.com

Memorial contributions can be made to Salem Christian Home, 6921 Edison Ave., Chino, CA 91710

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Wednesday, February 22, 2012