Published: November 14, 2008 03:09 pm            

Chrystal Vander Werff

Chrystal Evelyn Terpstra was born on May 15, 1923 rural Jasper County near Reasnor, Iowa. She was the fourth child of Gerrit and Marie Vande Voort Terpstra. At an early age she moved to the Scholte farm where Calvary Christian Reformed Church now stands, and attended Lincoln School through the eighth grade. She later worked at Pella Rolscreen and Vander Ploeg’s Bakery. On January 12, 1944 she was united in marriage with John Vander Werff. To this union two sons were born: Edwin Eugene and Charles Duane. She loved being a housewife and cooking for her hungry boys. In January of 1976, she and John moved to Pella after 37 years on the farm north of Pella. Chrystal worked in the kitchen at the Pella Community Hospital, while John continued farming with his son Ed. It was during John’s battle with cancer that her love of quilting was born. During the years that followed she assembled, crocheted or handquilted many items for her family, missions and others. She loved to ‘snoop’ so cookies and other snacks could always be found in her kitchen or freezer. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the love of her life and enjoyed their visits, always ready to send treats home with them. After a very brief diagnosis with lymphoma, Chrystal entered the Hospice of Pella Comfort House on October 24, 2008. She passed away there peacefully on October 31, 2008 at the age of 85 years.

Of Chrystal’s original family she leaves her brother Bob Terpstra of Pella, her sister Betty Aalbers of Pella and a sister-in-law, Jean Terpstra. Of her husband’s family Chrystal leaves her brother-in-law, Gysbert Van Engelenberg of Runnells, Iowa and a sister-in-law, Marjorie Vander Werff of Pella. Chrystal was preceded in death by her husband John on October 6, 1981, her son Charles on May 20, 1973, her parents, and four brothers, Merlyn Terpstra, Donald Terpstra, Gerald Terpstra and Cecil Terpstra. She was baptized and made confession of her faith in the Christian Reformed Church. At the time of her death Chrystal was a member of the Heartland Reformed Church in Pella.

For those desiring, memorials may be designated for the Heartland Reformed Church or Hospice of Pella

        

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