Mary Lou Hettinga

Mary Lou Hettinga VanDenBerg May 7, 1939 - December 31, 2023 Mary Lou Van Dam was born on May 7, 1939 in El Monte, California to Henry and Carrie Van Dam. She was the spunky third of four children; sister, Anna Mae de Graaf, brothers, Pete Van Dam and Will Van Dam. Mary Mary Louie absolutely loved music . She began singing in church and school choirs at a young age and continued praising her entire life. When Mary Lou was 16, she met the love of her life cruising Whittier Boulevard with her cousins. The dashing Wilbur Hettinga pursued Mary Lou regardless of the 45 minute drive between Paramont and El Monte. His pursuits paid off and they were wed August 15, 1957 when Mary Lou was just 18 years old. The newlyweds made their home in Cypress, California. Nine months later along came their first born Steven. Two years later, they welcomed their second son Warren. In 1960 the young couple moved their family to South El Monte, and started their first dairy farm. In 1964 Wilbur and Mary welcomed their first beautiful daughter Lorraine. In 1967 the growing family moved to the Chino Valley and a year later they welcomed their youngest child MaryAnn. Three years later in 1971, Wilbur and Mary built their own dairy and farming facility on Hamner Avenue in Ontario, California. Life was full with lots of hard work, many friends, swimming, skiing, school, vacations, sewing, handwork, 4-H, cooking classes and music lessons. Throughout her life, music was a constant form of praise and worship. The family does not remember a day when the Joyful Sounds did not exist. Their harmonious music filled their homes for years and years. What started as a music sextet became an incredibly bonded group of women with a deep friendship, ministry and love. Mary went on to serve as mother's club president, Guild president, and Chairwoman for the Reformed Church Women of America in the mid-eighties. Through those years, Wilbur and Mary welcomed marriages with joy and many beloved grandchildren with open hearts and so much love. In 2004, Wilbur and Mary joined the rest of their family and moved to the central valley. They were married for 53 years enjoying many amazing memories with lots of travel, fellowship and family when Wilbur passed away on January 9, 2010. Mary continued seeking the Lord and sharing His joy and hope to everyone she encountered. After a short courtship she married Marvin VanDenBerg on February 26, 2016. Once again, Mary found love and was able to travel, have companionship, and enjoy 7 1/2 years with her beloved Marvin and his precious family. Mary Lou lived her life for the Lord. Saying yes to His calling on her life was her greatest passion. We praise God that mom is with Jesus and singing praises in person to her Lord and Savior. We praise God for giving us such a beautiful example of what a Christian woman looks like. Thank you mom. Mary Lou leaves behind her husband, four children and spouses, thirteen grandchildren and spouses and 20 great-grandchildren. 48 in all. What a legacy! In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Central Valley Christian Schools tuition fund. Viewing will be held 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Sunday, January 7th, 2024 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Graveside services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, January 8th, 2024 at North Tulare Public Cemetery, 4572 North J. St., Tulare. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, January 9th, 2024 at Tulare Community Church, 1820 North Gem St., Tulare. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.