Evelyn Leona (Anderson) Dykstra Obituary (1928 - 2022)

Evelyn Leona Dykstra nee Armstrong entered into her rest on January 26, 2022, after a short illness. She was one of a set of twins born in Alvadore, Oregon on December 31, 1928. She often shared the story of her birth because she and her twin, Everett Leroy, were born on either side of midnight, on different days, months, and years, but their birth was required to be recorded on the date of the first twin's birth. As one of six siblings, she lived in Oregon until about 14 years of age, when she relocated to live with her uncle and his wife and their family with six children, in Washington State. She was married at 18 and raised 8 children to adulthood. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Richard Dykstra, her daughters, Patricia Dykstra and Nancy Couch, son, Daniel Dykstra and grandchildren, Serena Brooks, and Jacob Clark. She was also preceded in death by all siblings in both her birth and her 'adopted' family. She felt the weight of being the last surviving member of her generation in the family. Evelyn is lovingly remembered by her children: Terry (Carl) Testa of Tucson, AZ., Larry (Claudeena) Dykstra of Maple Falls, WA., Patricia Dykstra (daughter-in-law) of Stanwood, WA., Drs. Jeanne (Stanton) Brooks of Graham, WA., Karl (Laura) Dykstra of Bend, OR., and Sandra (Ed Vargas) Dykstra of Tucson, AZ., and by Grandchildren: Carlene Johnston, Joseph Testa, Anne Dykstra, Angelique Dykstra, Tara Black, Fabian S. M. Brooks, Tabatha Couch, Stanton M. Brooks II, Lonnie Dykstra, Richard Dykstra, David Couch, Christopher Kellogg, Bruce Alan Kellogg, and Kathryn Dykstra. Evelyn was very proud of her children, grandchildren, and many great grandchildren, as well as great, great grandchildren. Evelyn was very devoted to her faith in God, faithfully attended church her entire life, and she loved, and was loved by, her church family. She participated in her church in whatever way she was able. She had a joy for life and smile on her face any time she encountered people she knew and strangers alike. She was well-known in her neighborhood for her daily walks during which she never missed an opportunity to meet new neighbors and visit with others. Evelyn also was an active member of Alpha Upsilon Chapter of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority sorority and enjoyed activities with her sorority sisters. Over the years, Evelyn enjoyed teaching knitting and crochet to anyone interested in learning. Over the years, she created many doilies and afghans and various handcrafted items to donate to veterans' homes, to sell at local fairs, and to give to her children, grandchildren, and various friends. Donations in lieu of flowers and in memory of Evelyn can be made to Samaritan's Purse.