Henrietta Loraine Van De Kieft

Henrietta Loraine Van De Kieft, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend went home to be with Jesus on August 8, 2024 at the age of 83. Etta was born to Henk and Tracie Niezen on May 5, 1941 in Bellflower, California. She was the youngest of five children with siblings Gerald (deceased), Darlene, Wilma, and Dick (deceased). She was always the first to admit that she was very spoiled! Etta had a wonderful childhood and loved spending time with her family and friends. She lived across the street from school and walked home for lunch every day. When Etta finished high school she attended beauty college and then went to work in a beauty shop. She first met Bill Van De Kieft, the love of her life, on a Sunday night cruising after church. Bill asked her to the opening of Ben Hur in Hollywood and the rest is history. Etta and Bill were married on March 23, 1962 and spent 62 wonderful years together. Their love is a testament to God's faithfulness! Etta and Bill first set up house in a small apartment in Fullerton where they welcomed their first daughter, Loraine, on March 22, 1963. Not long after, they moved to a home in Chino where they were blessed with another daughter, Darlene, on August 27, 1965 and their son, William lll "Billy", on December 3, 1966. In the early 70s, the family moved to Pomona on the Van De Kieft farm. Etta was a wonderful mom! She loved celebrating special occasions and brought her children to baseball practices, dance lessons, gymnastics and more. She was devoted to family and friends. The family spent most Sundays going to both sets of grandparents- One for lunch after church, and the other for dinner. All of the aunts, uncles, and cousins would be there. These Sundays hold very special memories! Etta began selling Tupperware and did for many years. She loved her Tupperware family and many of them became lifelong friends. In the late 70s, Etta and Bill moved the family to Fontana where Bill built a beautiful home. They enjoyed traveling with friends and once the grandchildren started to arrive made many trips north. Etta's all-time favorite thing was to rock a baby! They moved once again in 2005 to Visalia where they could be near their children and grandchildren. They loved attending all of the grandkids' stuff! Sporting events, programs, band concerts, grandparents days, and graduations. Etta adored her grandchildren and they were her pride and joy! The only thing that she adored more than her grandchildren were her great grandchildren, whom she spoiled and loved unconditionally. They always made her smile. Etta was a happy, joyful person. She loved bowling and bowled in many leagues over her lifetime. Another favorite activity was volunteering at the thrift store. The friends she made there were treasured. She welcomed everyone into her home with a gracious heart and a big smile. As her family, we are so grateful for all that she has passed on to us. Devotion, determination, perseverance, joy, her feisty spirit, a little stubbornness, and above all faith, hope, and love! "For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations". Psalm 100 Etta was preceded in death by son Billy Van De Kieft and we are so happy that they are together again! She is survived by her loving husband Bill Van De Kieft; Daughter Lori Van De Kieft, grandson Corey and wife Sydney Van De Kieft; Daughter Darlene and son in law Jay te Velde; Grandchildren Devin and husband Kyle Tos, Taylor and husband Justin Locke, Jay and wife Cate te Velde, Colton and wife Brie te Velde, and Grant te Velde. Great grandchildren Zoe, Kora, Rhett, and Rilyn Tos; Barrett, Walker, and Millie Etta Locke; Jayson and Juliette te Velde, and Callahan te Velde. Sisters Darlene Van Dam and Wilma Andriese; Sister in laws Trudy Niezen and Alice Bergsma; Brother and sister in law John and Corey Hulst. Celebration of life service will be held on August, 24 in Three Rivers, California. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Central Valley Christian School. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Henrietta Loraine Van De Kieft

May 5, 1941 - August 8, 2024