Marie Ten Kley

Marie Kalsbeek Ten Kley was born at home in Lynden Washington on July 13, 1928, to parents Jacob and Minnie (Alderink) Kalsbeek. She was the youngest in her family.

Mom said that growing up in the depression, times were hard, they didn’t have much in a material way but as a kid she didn’t realize it, as there was always some other family that was in dire need that her parents could extend a helping hand to. She remembered one Christmas getting a potato doll that her mom made for her that she treasured.  Her childhood was very happy and carefree she felt like they were sheltered in a cocoon of Fun, Christian love and Warmth. The family was very close, and she loved her big brothers Marvin, Harry & Morris who looked after her sister sweet gentle Geraldine and herself that she called “willful little Marie.”

In High School mom loved being in plays, singing (she was a very good alto) and tumbling. After graduating from High School, she got a job in Redlands California, being a companion and babysitter for a short period of time.

When she returned home, she married Gerrit Ten Kley on July 13, 1948, it was her 20^th birthday. They just celebrated mom’s 95^th birthday and their 75^th anniversary.

Dad’s brother was instrumental in sharing the gospel with them.  Early in their marriage, one evening Mom and Dad went to a Merv Rosell Crusade where they both went forward and accepted the Lord as their Savior, which changed their lives.

Five years of marriage under their belt, living on the Everson Goshen Rd. it was time to start growing the family.  Susan, Lynn and Beth arrived in 4 years. Danny joined the family almost 7 years later with special needs. It was a new and difficult challenge at times, but mom took it in stride and went the extra mile to provide us with a loving and happy childhood.

After all the kids were out of the house, Dad retired early. They spent many years being snowbirds going to California and Arizona in their RV with relatives and good friends. They enjoyed that so much and continued it into their 80’s until they couldn’t travel anymore. When mom’s dementia started to progress, they sold their house and moved into Lynden Manor.

Mom went to be with the Lord on September 5, 2023. We now have confidence that her mind & body is again whole and is being the spunky lady that we all knew and loved.

Mom is preceded in death by her parents, sister and brothers. Her son Danny and grandson Buddy. She is survived by her husband Gerrit, children Susan (Bud) Vaughan, Lynn (Valerie) Ten Kley, Beth (Rick) Strotz, 7 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday September 21, at Rome Community Bible Church 2720 Mt Baker Hwy Bellingham, WA  98226