Obituary of Bertha Dummett

Bertha “Birdie” Dummett, the daughter of Jake and Gertrude (Elgersma) Haagsma, was born on August 23, 1916 on a farm near Sanborn, Iowa. She attended country school through the eighth grade. On October 14, 1943, she was united in marriage to Emmett Dummett. The couple farmed near Sanborn until they moved into Sanborn in 1961. While residing in Sanborn, Birdie was employed at the Sanborn Bakery for 12 years, and Paradox Florist (a job she truly loved!) for many years until her retirement. She was a lady of many interests, and always enjoyed life to the fullest. Some of her interests included playing the piano and singing, playing cards, reading, traveling, golfing and sewing. She loved being outdoors in her flower gardens. She had a keen interest in family histories. Spending time with her own family was important to Birdie. Her positive outlook on life was welcomed by all who knew and loved her. She was a member of the Christian Reformed Church of Sanborn and a member of the Sanborn Library Board for 35 years. Birdie passed away at the Sanford Sioux Valley Health Center in Sioux Falls, SD on February 25, 2009, at the age of 92, following a brief illness. Survivors include her daughter, Gayle Vander Woude and her husband Merle of Sanborn; three grandchildren: Troy (Kari) Vander Woude of Storm Lake, IA, Terry (Denise) Vander Woude of Marina, CA, and Lynn (John) Pennings of Sanborn; five great-grandchildren: Luke, Leigh and Lexi Vander Woude, and Tara and Dana Pennings; one sister-in-law, Carol Clemons of Artesia, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Emmett in 1984; her brothers, Dick and “Shorty” Haagsma, and her sister Jessie Beimers. In Remembrance of Bertha “Birdie” Dummett Born ~ August 23, 1916 Died ~ February 25, 2009 Age ~ 92 years 6 months 2 days Memorial Service 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2009 Christian Reformed Church Sanborn, Iowa Officiating ~ Pastor Greg Dyk Organist ~ Thelma Elgersma Special Music ~ Victory Voices “My Tribute” “Great is Thy Faithfulness” Congregational Singing “Out of My Bondage” “How Great Thou Art” Pallbearers Troy Vander Woude John Pennings Terry Vander Woude Larry Beimers Luke Vander Woude Vernon Haagsma Honorary Pallbearers Leigh Vander Woude Tara Pennings Lexi Vander Woude Dana Pennings Flower Attendants Linda Beimers Elaine Ten Napel Ushers John Prins Lee Van Tol Henry Koldenhoven Interment Roseland Cemetery ~ Sanborn, Iowa