Gillies Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Florence Nymeyer Obituary

Florence (Maas) Nymeyer was born to William and Dora (Sterk) Maas on October 24, 1931, in Harrison, South Dakota. She grew up on a farm with her parents and six siblings.

Florence attended a country school and graduated from Corsica, South Dakota High School in 1949. After attending summer school, she became a teacher and taught in a country school in South Dakota for two years. In 1951 she moved to Lynden to teach 4th grade at Lynden Christian School. There Florence met fellow teacher, Elmer Nymeyer. They began dating and eventually announced their engagement at a staff meeting. They were married on August 10, 1954. They were married for 64 years and were blessed with four children—Brent, Bruce, Bradd, and Brenda.

Florence was a substitute teacher for many years. After their youngest child started school, Florence began working part time at the Lynden Christian High School library. She enjoyed the work and loved being part of the staff for 22 years.

Florence and Elmer enjoyed travelling. They drove many miles throughout the United States to visit their children and grandchildren, as well as Florence's parents and siblings. Florence was the expert navigator for the trips. After retirement they were able to enjoy several European tours.

Florence was part of Third Christian Reformed Church until the formation of Lynden United Reformed Church. There, Florence led a ladies Bible study for many years. She also volunteered at Project Hope, Lynden Christian School's Cash for Trash, and the Senior Center Hymn Singers. She and Elmer volunteered at Rehoboth Christian School in New Mexico during their travels.

Florence had many hobbies like cross stitching, working in the garden, and baking. She would make many delicious things from apple crisp to zucchini casserole, but the most famous treat was her cinnamon rolls which her grandchildren frequently requested.

Florence trusted the Lord and faithfully served Him all her life. Whether it was cooking, volunteering, or taking care of Elmer as he declined in health, she worked to the best of her ability—knowing that all of her work was done unto the Lord. Surrounded by family, she entered into glory April 22, 2021. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She will be greatly missed.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, loving husband Elmer, grandson Christopher, and several in-laws. She is survived by sons Brent (Paula) of Montana, Bruce (Renee) of Texas, Bradd (Mary) of California, daughter Brenda (Andy) Cammenga of Washington, sisters Jeanette Bergakker and Dorothy (Roger) De Haan, 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and several in-laws, nephews, and nieces.

Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on May 3 at the Lynden URC and streamed at Youtube.com/LyndenURC and through the Gillies Funeral Home Facebook page.

Memorials may be made to the Project Hope Food Bank or Lynden Christian School. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.