Bernice E Kredit

Bernice Emmeline Bandstra was born on April 28, 1929 to Bart and Mary (Vande Voort) Bandstra near Leighton, Iowa. She was the ninth of ten children born to Bart and Mary: Gertrude, Ada (Charles Spoelstra), Paul (Beulah Bloem), Dorothy (William Zuidema), Wilma (Richard Vos), Kathryn (Robert Vroom), Henry (Luella Vos), John (Joan Zylstra), and Mary (died at birth). Wilma, Lu, and Joey survive her.

Bernice grew up on a farm near Leighton, Iowa and attended the West Weaver School. Many years later as a busy mom, she proudly received her GED. As the youngest of a large and busy family, she often went to eldest sister, Gertrude, to tell about school happenings or to receive comfort. Gertrude's passing in 1941 was a significant loss to her. She was regularly bribed, often with candy, to not tell her mom about her brothers' and sisters' shenanigans. Music was always a part of her life. She taught herself piano, and her father would often ask her to sing for guests. She kept her songbook from West Weaver School and played and sang the songs all her life.

Bernice met and married Raymond Henry Hugen, son of Henry Hugen and Jessie De Vries. They married on January 27, 1949 during a huge blizzard. Ray almost didn't make it to his own wedding because of the storm. The photographer was unable to attend, so they went later to his studio to have their wedding photo taken. They started life together on a farm north of Pella, Iowa on the 'Galesburg Road'. Their church home was Second Christian Reformed Church of Pella.

Over the next eleven years, four children were born: Miriam Kay, Rodney Jay, Mark Alan and Ruth Elaine. During this time Ray was diagnosed with emphysema. These were busy and difficult years for her. She ran the household, did farm chores, and cared for her sickly husband and children. Ruth was born prematurely with cerebral palsy. Doctors told them Ray needed to move to a warm, dry climate so in December, 1960, they sold farm equipment and household goods, and moved to Phoenix. Ruth, too fragile to travel, stayed with Bernice's sister, Wilma, until the family was settled in Arizona where she joined them. Phoenix Christian Reformed Church became their church and Bernice remained a member until her death.

Ray and Bernice purchased a home at 3408 N. 27th Street where she lived until 2014. Ray studied bookkeeping and worked for various companies until his health deteriorated to the point where he could only work from home. Bernice helped with the bookkeeping, as did the children. She also drove the school bus to bring in extra money. On May 16, 1969 Ray passed away. Then, just three weeks later, on June 10, Bernice's mother also passed away. These were almost unbearable blows. At the time the children ranged in age from 8-19. In her deep sorrow, God's grace sustained her. She received much solace and support from friends and family as she traveled those difficult days. In the following years, she encouraged and supported her children through numerous surgeries, health issues, high school and college years. Ever the caregiver, she always remained supportive, welcomed their friends, spouses and then children and grandchildren into her family. She loved her family dearly.

Bernice loved music. She sang in the church choir, gathered around the piano with her children, sang silly songs with her grandchildren, enjoyed concerts, listened to records, tapes, and CDs, and watched musical programs on television. As a family she had her kids harmonizing while doing the dishes. Neighbors would gather in their backyards to listen to the family sing. If you played Scrabble with her and she suddenly broke into song you worried which of the words she was singing was going to be played on her turn.

Bernice took in ironing over the years and her customers became her friends. She spent time playing Scrabble, shooting caroms, playing card games, and playing Paddle Pool with friends and family. She worked the crossword puzzles in the daily paper and also enjoyed going 'birding'. She loved to 'yauk' (play boisterously) with little kids who all loved to visit her.

On November 10, 1978, she married Herman Kredit of New Holland, South Dakota. He became a beloved family member, joining in family events and especially being Grandpa to her family's little ones. He passed away on May 3, 2011 and has been greatly missed.

Bernice continued to live in her home alone. She traveled to see her children and grandchildren as she was able, and welcomed them into her home, as well. It was always fun to be at Grandma's house, especially if she made her famous brownies for you. In March of 2014, she fell and broke her hip. After surgery and rehabilitation, she moved into assisted living at Arizona Grand and, later, Olive Grove Assisted Living and Memory Care. Her marvelous mind slowly deteriorated, as did her body, and in August of this year her children moved her into the Memory Care unit. A few weeks later she fell and broke the other hip and was placed in Hospice Care. She passed away on November 9, 2016, going to be with the Jesus she so dearly loved and longed to see.

There are more memories to tell than there is space to contain them. What stands out most was her deep love for God, her love for family and friends, the amazing caregiver she was throughout her life, and the beautiful songs that were always on her lips and in her heart, even at the very end of her life.

We, her children, rise up and call her blessed. A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Miriam (Henry Zoetewey)

Jessica (George Lanning)

Rhys

Kimberly (Nicholas Miles, 1985-2015)

Andrew, Aaron

Gabe

Rodney (Kathy Miller)

Justin

Terra, Jolie (goddaughters)

Derek

Mark (Jaci DeJong)

Andrew (Jessica Schricker)

Trey, Quinn, Crew, Knox

Kate (Ryan Koeman)

Dakota, Finley, Vayle

Emily (Garrison Thompson)

Marlowe

Ruth (Bryan Valencia)

Rebekah

Rachel

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to The Village Church c/o Rod Hugen, 9147 E. Placita Arroyo Seco, Tucson, AZ 85710, or Phoenix Christian School, 2425 N. 26th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Arrangements under the direction of Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, Scottsdale, AZ.