Memorial Services will be held at Grace Church in Wichita Falls on Sunday, August 22 at 2:00 P.M.
Lena was born January 28, 1933, in Artesia, California, the second of six children born to Ted and Catharina Boersma, both Dutch immigrants. She married her high school sweetheart, John Bekendam, April 18, 1952, and they were married for 39 years before he passed away in 1991. Survivors include her 8 children, Steve Bekendam, Karen Bekendam, Teri Skipworth (and husband, Mike), Lori Hessing (and husband, Shawn), Shirlee Rivera, Larry Bekendam, Tim Bekendam (and wife, Suzanne), and Jolene Mayfield (and husband, Kenneth), 22 grandchildren (and their spouses), 30 great grandchildren, siblings, Thelma Blok (and husband, Tony), John Boersma (and wife, Judy), Cris Murphy (and husband, Ed), and sister-in-law Grace Boersma.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, John Bekendam, sister, Jeanette Van Dyk (and husband, Bart), brother, Andy Boersma, daughter-in-law, Lesley Bekendam and son-in-law, Leo Rivera.
Lena loved Jesus from an early age, putting her trust and faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior as a child through her mother’s influence. Throughout her younger years she loved sports and being involved in drama and theater at school.
Lena worked as a nurse in Los Angeles County Hospital until starting her career as a mother. She and John were in the dairy business until moving to Wichita Falls Texas in 1971. That’s when they joined the fulltime staff of a Christian discipleship ministry called The Navigators. Lena served alongside John in the ministry, discipling not only her children but other young women.
Lena taught Sunday School and served during vacation Bible school many years, passionately sharing God’s Word and helping it become alive and real to all those listening. She also led many women’s Bible studies in and outside the home. She loved to serve others, and it was evident by her weekly meals for 20-30 people on Sundays. She also gladly hosted many other events and meals at their home as well. Her heart for ministry and desire for others to know Jesus continued after John passed away, going on missions to Russia and continuing to speak at women’s events occasionally and being involved in Bible studies.
Lena loved her time with Jesus reading her Bible every day, sharing her insights with any willing to listen. Playing praise and worship music were also consistent in her home. She loved her children and many grandchildren. She had many children and grandchildren yet delighted in spending time with each of them, listening, playing games, and caring for them. Lena left a legacy of love for the Lord and her family. She served and loved Jesus, giving testimony to the reality of Jesus Christ and living life authentically.
Her love for the Lord remained strong, even in her mentally declining years. Her words and memory faded, yet the Spirit of Christ in her was evident through her daily countenance. She never complained and smiled often with her sparkling eyes. Lena loved her Savior and walked with Jesus for over 80 years during her time here on earth and we rejoice that she is now walking with her Savior and seeing Him face to face in heaven! She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
Lena’s family would like to express their gratitude to Hospice of Wichita Falls. During Lena’s last years, they provided compassionate and quality care for Lena, showing love and support to her and her family.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of Wichita Falls, Texas 4909 Johnson Road Wichita Falls, Texas 76310.
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