Grace - Tos

1914 – 2013

Beloved mother of Leland (Vicki) of Hanford, Tom (Lynn) of Walnut Creek, and Bob (Jane) also of Hanford, Grace Koelewyn Tos passed away peacefully on January 29th in Hanford. She was born on January 7, 1914 to Teunis Koelewyn and Gerritje Duyst in Chile, South America. They had emigrated there from the Netherlands. At ten years of age, Grace traveled north with her parents and two of her three brothers. They entered the United States through New Orleans, LA, and lived in Minnesota for a short time before moving permanently to Hanford, California. Her family attended the Hanford First Christian Reformed Church, and it was there that she met her future husband, Leo Tos. They married in 1936, then lived and farmed in the area near Kings River/Hardwick School. They enjoyed 48 years together before Leo’s death in 1984. Primarily a homemaker, Grace also enjoyed working several years part-time at the Workingman’s Store. A few years after Leo’s death, Grace moved into town and lived in the Maranatha apartments adjacent to church. She adjusted well and enjoyed having her sons, Leland and Bob, for coffee almost every morning, as well as other visitors throughout the day. God blessed her with good health and a long life, and she was able to live independently until a few months ago.

Also preceding her in death were her brothers Peter, John and Henry. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Leland Jr., Randy (Margaret), Karen (Craig Little); Cheryl (Doug Elffers), Rod (Karen), Laura (Bas de Jong); Tami (Tim Zietse), Teri (Phil Girard), and Ryan (Angela). She also was blessed with 25 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren (with 2 more expected this year), and sisters-in-laws Greta and Jessie Koelewyn.

Graveside service will be Monday, February 4th at 10:00 a.m. at the Hanford Cemetery. A memorial service celebrating her life will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Hanford First Christian Reformed Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Grace’s memory may be made to Hanford Christian School.

Arrangements under the direction of People’s Funeral Chapel www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com