11:00 congregation "How Great Thou Art"
Welcome: Pastor Aaron
Prayer: Pastor Aaron
DVD of pictures
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:19-21
Message: Pastor Carl
Leona Bos was a woman of tremendous faith. She loved her family, life in Sumas, but above all, her greatest testimony is her faith. I’ve seen her a lot the past ten years. I so much appreciate her love for this life, AND her longing for heaven. Life was precious to her. Did any mother love her children more? A highlight of my time with her: after Kelsey’s second child was born in Kentucky I happen to drop in and see her at Meadow Greens and was able to make a connection on FaceTime so Leona could see her newest (at the time) great grandchild… She was so overjoyed, I think she thought she was in heaven.
Welcome: Pastor Aaron
Prayer: Pastor Aaron
DVD of pictures
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:19-21
Message: Pastor Carl
Leona Bos was a woman of tremendous faith. She loved her family, life in Sumas, but above all, her greatest testimony is her faith. I’ve seen her a lot the past ten years. I so much appreciate her love for this life, AND her longing for heaven. Life was precious to her. Did any mother love her children more? A highlight of my time with her: after Kelsey’s second child was born in Kentucky I happen to drop in and see her at Meadow Greens and was able to make a connection on FaceTime so Leona could see her newest (at the time) great grandchild… She was so overjoyed, I think she thought she was in heaven.
Leona’s life seemed to be dedicated to bringing heaven to earth. The problem is that earth kept slapping her in the face! Too much death. illness… Her tremendous faith took the form of keeping one eye on heaven especially when tragedy struck earth. A woman of tremendous faith, not because she was a naturally strong person but because she was weak and needed the strength of God to make it through. No pride in this woman, other than the good kind of pride of being amazed at the goodness God gave her. Leona had no pretense about her, no arrogance, and she appreciated everyone and everything and considered it grace. Denny was making fun of his mother a few days before she died when she could not defend herself because she was in such a sleepy state: “REALLY?” he said in mock surprise quoting his mother’s childlike delight with the world at any good news. REALLY? (Leona was like a child in the best sense)
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Leona lived with a foot in two worlds, especially after Jerry died, Doug, George, John…others?…Treasures, everyone of them. I like what Leona said when George died a few years ago. In one of the scriptures we don’t like because it challenges our imagination of what heaven is like, Leona said, “I know the Bible says there isn’t marriage in heaven, but can George and I be best friends.”
Leona’s heart was on this earth because she treasured the things that are important. She wasn’t materialistic, she liked a clean home and certainly appreciated her blessings in this world, but most important was people. Matt. 6:19 means don’t put too much heart emphasis on material things, don’t fall in love with that which is ultimately temporary. The things that are on earth that will also be in heaven are what’s most important! Matt. 6:20. READ. “But Store up.” That’s a present reality. What are the treasures we can store up on earth that will be in heaven?
How about this: LOVE. JOY. PEACE. These three will surely be in heaven. Tell me about Leona Bos ~ LOVE. JOY. PEACE. Look at the fruit of the Spirit in Gal. 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.… the fruit of the spirit are character traits in which all Christians are to strive as we grow in faith. I don’t know exactly what heaven will be like, but imagine for a moment in terms of the character of people…: just my quick crazy thoughts: Patience is probably not needed in heaven… KINDNESS will be there… GOODNESS… FAITHFULNESS, perfect faithfulness… GENTLENESS….show me a more gentlewoman that Leona, the ultimate hostess that fussed if she didn’t have a cookie to give me… SELF CONTROL.
Store up the treasures on this earth that you can take to heaven! Leona’s heart was on earth AND it is in heaven. On earth she lived a glimpse of heaven. She new what was important, the things of earth that are in heaven, LOVE, JOY, PEACE… I think that’s why she had tears so much because her heart was in two worlds and the lubricant of the conflict on earth were her tears. She cried when she was sad, happy, joyful, she cried just to cry… When the world was hard, she clung to eternity as the only way to make it through.
As I think back at my conversations with Leona, when facing a difficult time, I don’t think I ever heard her ask a question that is so often asked when facing difficult times. I don’t think I ever heard Leona say, “I don’t know how much more I can take.” She believed in God, she believed in Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of sins. She believed in the promise of eternal life. She knew that with Christ in her she could and would make it through. Almost always, as I listened and she talked through John’s death as the latest example, she would say with a tear in her eye something like, “God is here, I’ll make it through.”
The confidence of eternity with God will change the way we see the world. May we learn to treasure eternity with our Lord. As we wait for that most amazing day of resurrection and being renunited with those that have gone before, may we build up treasures on earth that will be in heaven ~~ Love, Joy and Peace… Amen.
Congregational Song: "What a Day that Will Be"
Poem "My Mom’s Heart" read by Georgia
Tribute: Leona's Son, Denny Bos
Tribute: Pastor Carl Crouse
While the words of Psalm 23 were being recited by her children, the Lord took Leona Greta Bos on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at 88 years old to Heaven to dwell with her Lord and Savior forever. Leona (Dykstra) Bos was born in Lynden on Sept. 6, 1929, to Dave and Pauline Dykstra. Her parents lived across the alley from the Crouses when we were growing up… the house with the perfect lawn… that was the reason at times some of the Bos kids played in the neighborhood associating with us “Gentiles.”
In 1936 the Dykstra family moved to a farm in Sumas which was the beginning of Leona’s lifetime love for the small town of Sumas. She loved the people. As an adult the Sumas Senior Center was a great joy for decades… always the people, her great love for people. Coffee at Bob’s with the girls for who knows how long… Leona was #2 of 4 kids along with Pierson, Gene and Merv. Wonderful parents. A good life. Farming. Leona worked hard on the farm (don’t think she ever stopped) she talked about coming home from the farm and milking the cows, by hand of course…. Up to 16 cows in the herd. Leona and George were part of the builder generation of this country that formed the backbone of what we are today.
Leona graduated from NVHS in 1947. a good student. Love to learn. Sounds like a rule follower to me. She won the citizenship award (maybe they need to revive such an award!), Penmanship accolades, she was a good speaker.
On Sept 2, 1947 she married George Bos and began married life on a farm east of Sumas ~ 3 boys and 3 girls…they rented the farm. Leona made do with what they had. She wasn’t materialistic, but once upon a time a new countertop in the kitchen would have been nice... She was so disappointed when the landlord showed up with a bucket of red paint, painted the counter, and told her there was her new counter. Sigh. Life on the farm for 20 years was a major chapter in George and Leona’s life. The landlord, though, didn’t want to build this or that or make a lot of improvements, so George began to think about other ways to make a living.
In 1965 the Bos’s started their business, Valley Plumbing and Electric. At first they were on the farm, George studied for a new trade, worked the farm, kids at home… Leona’s role in all this: I suspect she was the glue… never complained. Supportive. In 1967 the family moved to the Sumas house across from the Grade School… Leona jumped in to ensure the business would make it: ready for the list of what she did? Janitor, books, receptionist, errands, counselor, coffee maker, she let the guys into the house for coffee…. Valley Plumbing and Electric was eventually moved out of town on the Halverstick Rd. where it continues today.
Like most of you, I felt blessed to call Leona my friend. She did give me a secret assignment, which now that she is gone I will share. I don’t know how well I did, but (this is my paraphrase, I can’t remember he words), she asked me so many times if I could see what I could do to make Denny be normal….
Family was important. Leona felt so loved and loved to give her love. Leona was always humbled in thinking of her family. A woman of so many emotions but a great woman of faith who knew God was with her in everything…
This church was huge in Leona’s life. I think she told me her parents were part of this church at the beginning. But I know her father was an elder for many years. Leona was involved in everything almost forever.
George and Leona retired from Valley in 1982. That was a lot of retirement years to be together. “George and Leona” has a good ring to it. She missed George so much, yet she had confidence in God’s promises of being reunited in heaven.
Her greatest joy was serving her God, husband and children and as the family grew she loved and faithfully prayed for each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Leona was a valued and well loved part of the community. After George passed away Leona moved to Meadow Greens and continued to bless those there with her joyful spirit and servant heart. “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” was a favorite text of Leona‘s along with “This is the day that the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Leona was preceded in death by her parents, husband George, brother Pierson, sister Jean DeVries, sons Jerry and Doug, son-in-law John VanBerkum, grandson Graham DeBruin.
Survived by son Dennis and Nettie; daughters Sandy and Keith TeSelle, Cindy VanBerkum, and Georgia and Jerry DeBruin; daughters in law Kathy Bos and Diane Bos, 21 grandchildren and 44 great grandchildren with two more joining the family soon.
Congregational Song: "By the Chrystal Sea"
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Leona lived with a foot in two worlds, especially after Jerry died, Doug, George, John…others?…Treasures, everyone of them. I like what Leona said when George died a few years ago. In one of the scriptures we don’t like because it challenges our imagination of what heaven is like, Leona said, “I know the Bible says there isn’t marriage in heaven, but can George and I be best friends.”
Leona’s heart was on this earth because she treasured the things that are important. She wasn’t materialistic, she liked a clean home and certainly appreciated her blessings in this world, but most important was people. Matt. 6:19 means don’t put too much heart emphasis on material things, don’t fall in love with that which is ultimately temporary. The things that are on earth that will also be in heaven are what’s most important! Matt. 6:20. READ. “But Store up.” That’s a present reality. What are the treasures we can store up on earth that will be in heaven?
How about this: LOVE. JOY. PEACE. These three will surely be in heaven. Tell me about Leona Bos ~ LOVE. JOY. PEACE. Look at the fruit of the Spirit in Gal. 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.… the fruit of the spirit are character traits in which all Christians are to strive as we grow in faith. I don’t know exactly what heaven will be like, but imagine for a moment in terms of the character of people…: just my quick crazy thoughts: Patience is probably not needed in heaven… KINDNESS will be there… GOODNESS… FAITHFULNESS, perfect faithfulness… GENTLENESS….show me a more gentlewoman that Leona, the ultimate hostess that fussed if she didn’t have a cookie to give me… SELF CONTROL.
Store up the treasures on this earth that you can take to heaven! Leona’s heart was on earth AND it is in heaven. On earth she lived a glimpse of heaven. She new what was important, the things of earth that are in heaven, LOVE, JOY, PEACE… I think that’s why she had tears so much because her heart was in two worlds and the lubricant of the conflict on earth were her tears. She cried when she was sad, happy, joyful, she cried just to cry… When the world was hard, she clung to eternity as the only way to make it through.
As I think back at my conversations with Leona, when facing a difficult time, I don’t think I ever heard her ask a question that is so often asked when facing difficult times. I don’t think I ever heard Leona say, “I don’t know how much more I can take.” She believed in God, she believed in Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of sins. She believed in the promise of eternal life. She knew that with Christ in her she could and would make it through. Almost always, as I listened and she talked through John’s death as the latest example, she would say with a tear in her eye something like, “God is here, I’ll make it through.”
The confidence of eternity with God will change the way we see the world. May we learn to treasure eternity with our Lord. As we wait for that most amazing day of resurrection and being renunited with those that have gone before, may we build up treasures on earth that will be in heaven ~~ Love, Joy and Peace… Amen.
Congregational Song: "What a Day that Will Be"
Poem "My Mom’s Heart" read by Georgia
Tribute: Leona's Son, Denny Bos
Tribute: Pastor Carl Crouse
While the words of Psalm 23 were being recited by her children, the Lord took Leona Greta Bos on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at 88 years old to Heaven to dwell with her Lord and Savior forever. Leona (Dykstra) Bos was born in Lynden on Sept. 6, 1929, to Dave and Pauline Dykstra. Her parents lived across the alley from the Crouses when we were growing up… the house with the perfect lawn… that was the reason at times some of the Bos kids played in the neighborhood associating with us “Gentiles.”
In 1936 the Dykstra family moved to a farm in Sumas which was the beginning of Leona’s lifetime love for the small town of Sumas. She loved the people. As an adult the Sumas Senior Center was a great joy for decades… always the people, her great love for people. Coffee at Bob’s with the girls for who knows how long… Leona was #2 of 4 kids along with Pierson, Gene and Merv. Wonderful parents. A good life. Farming. Leona worked hard on the farm (don’t think she ever stopped) she talked about coming home from the farm and milking the cows, by hand of course…. Up to 16 cows in the herd. Leona and George were part of the builder generation of this country that formed the backbone of what we are today.
Leona graduated from NVHS in 1947. a good student. Love to learn. Sounds like a rule follower to me. She won the citizenship award (maybe they need to revive such an award!), Penmanship accolades, she was a good speaker.
On Sept 2, 1947 she married George Bos and began married life on a farm east of Sumas ~ 3 boys and 3 girls…they rented the farm. Leona made do with what they had. She wasn’t materialistic, but once upon a time a new countertop in the kitchen would have been nice... She was so disappointed when the landlord showed up with a bucket of red paint, painted the counter, and told her there was her new counter. Sigh. Life on the farm for 20 years was a major chapter in George and Leona’s life. The landlord, though, didn’t want to build this or that or make a lot of improvements, so George began to think about other ways to make a living.
In 1965 the Bos’s started their business, Valley Plumbing and Electric. At first they were on the farm, George studied for a new trade, worked the farm, kids at home… Leona’s role in all this: I suspect she was the glue… never complained. Supportive. In 1967 the family moved to the Sumas house across from the Grade School… Leona jumped in to ensure the business would make it: ready for the list of what she did? Janitor, books, receptionist, errands, counselor, coffee maker, she let the guys into the house for coffee…. Valley Plumbing and Electric was eventually moved out of town on the Halverstick Rd. where it continues today.
Like most of you, I felt blessed to call Leona my friend. She did give me a secret assignment, which now that she is gone I will share. I don’t know how well I did, but (this is my paraphrase, I can’t remember he words), she asked me so many times if I could see what I could do to make Denny be normal….
Family was important. Leona felt so loved and loved to give her love. Leona was always humbled in thinking of her family. A woman of so many emotions but a great woman of faith who knew God was with her in everything…
This church was huge in Leona’s life. I think she told me her parents were part of this church at the beginning. But I know her father was an elder for many years. Leona was involved in everything almost forever.
George and Leona retired from Valley in 1982. That was a lot of retirement years to be together. “George and Leona” has a good ring to it. She missed George so much, yet she had confidence in God’s promises of being reunited in heaven.
Her greatest joy was serving her God, husband and children and as the family grew she loved and faithfully prayed for each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Leona was a valued and well loved part of the community. After George passed away Leona moved to Meadow Greens and continued to bless those there with her joyful spirit and servant heart. “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” was a favorite text of Leona‘s along with “This is the day that the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Leona was preceded in death by her parents, husband George, brother Pierson, sister Jean DeVries, sons Jerry and Doug, son-in-law John VanBerkum, grandson Graham DeBruin.
Survived by son Dennis and Nettie; daughters Sandy and Keith TeSelle, Cindy VanBerkum, and Georgia and Jerry DeBruin; daughters in law Kathy Bos and Diane Bos, 21 grandchildren and 44 great grandchildren with two more joining the family soon.
Congregational Song: "By the Chrystal Sea"
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