Geneva Dykstra

Neve Dykstra was a beautiful person to know and to love. An exceptional wife, mother, and grandmother, she relished bringing joy to the hearts of the ones she loved. Although she will be deeply missed, she leaves behind a wonderful legacy of having both gratitude and grace in everything she experienced in life.

Reflecting on the 1920s, radio stations were growing in popularity throughout the United States, and the media was focused on jazz music and celebrities. On September 23, 1927, Gerrit and Grace Benthem welcomed home their own special star, Geneva, in McBain, Michigan. Born the youngest of nine children: Hilbert, Edwin, Andrew, Fenna, Annie, Sarah, Frances, Gertrude, and Geneva (Neve), her birth brought great joy into their hearts and home. Sadly, her mother died from pneumonia and diphtheria when Neve was the tender age of three months.

Growing up on the family farm a half mile south of Stoney Corners, Neva lived a meager childhood that was affected by the Great Depression. Her grandparents lived in an apartment in the family home and helped to care for the children after her mother’s passing. They, too, passed, leaving Neve’s father to support the large family with help from extended family members. Their entertainment came from their imaginations as well as their family pets and work horses. They cherished their memories of church picnics, swimming in the lake, sledding in the winter, and crafts. Without any indoor plumbing, the family used a wash tub and savored their Saturday night baths! Living close to school, she and her siblings walked to both school and church. Sadly, her father became ill when she was in eighth grade and later died when she was only sixteen. Neve worked to support her room and board and was a proud graduate of Northern Christian High School with the Class of 1945. The only family member to complete her diploma, she went on to Calvin College for one year.

Neve met the love of her life, Herm Dykstra, a local farm boy, during her late teenage years. They dated for several years and married on September 24, 1948. As newlyweds, they took a short honeymoon to the popular Niagara Falls. During their first three years, they farmed together until Herm later took a job with General Motors. He eventually worked for Godwin Plumbing. They raised two wonderful children, Duane and Pamela, and raised them with a strong Christian faith. Each summer, they enjoyed camping trips and visiting all the states. Neve was an exceptionally devoted mother and homemaker.

Later in life, Neve worked part-time as a nurse’s aid at Blodgett Hospital. She worked with new moms on bathing and nursing techniques. She had the privilege of giving all her grandchildren their first bath and retired after twenty-two years. Neve adored her grandchildren and treated each of them as special. There simply wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them. They grew up knowing they were loved and had her support each step of the way.

By 1991, she and Herm purchased a condo in Boca Raton, Florida, where they created many lasting memories. They enjoyed playing games with friends, including shuffleboard and golf. Neve also spent her extra winter months working at the local flea market. Sadly, Herm was diagnosed with an aggressive sarcoma of the spine. He struggled throughout his treatments; Neve never left his side. She leaned on her nursing experiences to give him the best of care around the clock! A true testimony to their love of one another was the tender way she cared for him until he transitioned on September 2, 2000.

By 2003, Neve moved to Covenant Village, where she made many wonderful friendships. She joined the choir and never passed up a road trip to a local outing with other residents. First Covenant Church became her new church home, where she enjoyed Bible studies, Sunday school, and worship. She spent a large portion of her life extending herself to others in need. For many years, she volunteered at Calvin Christian’s Resale Store, helped with endless bake sales, and was active in the annual Alzheimer’s Walk. Described as nurturing, caring, and faithful, anyone who was in her presence was made to feel special. Neve will be deeply missed by her many special friends and loved ones. May the memories of her loving personality surround their hearts with warmth and comfort them in the years ahead.

Geneva Dykstra, age 98, went to be with her Lord and Saviour on December 27, 2025. She was born to Gerrit and Grace Benthem on September 23, 1927, in McBain, Michigan. She married Herman (Herm) Dykstra on September 15, 1948, and they were married for 52 years before Herm died in 2000. They were blessed with two children, Pamela and Duane. Pam married Gary Meengs, and they had four children: Chris and Tracy Meengs (Chloe, Julia, and Lauren), Jon and Sara Meengs (Dylan, Hannah, Lynnae), Mark and Kate Meengs (Joannie), and Kerin and Eric Koelewyn (Ellie, Jocelyn).

Neve always loved the joy and fun that her children and grandchildren brought to her life. Neve was the youngest of nine children. She was preceded in death by Hilbert and Evelyn Benthem, Edwin and Trina Benthem, Fenna and Ray DeBoer, Annie and Pete VanHouten, Sarah and Percy Hoekwater, Andrew Benthem, Frances and Stewart Ellens, and Gertrude Benthem. Her sister-in-law Bernie and Jerry Knight, as well as her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ray and Mae Dykstra, also preceded her in death.

Neve spent most of her working years in the maternity ward at Blodgett Hospital, where she loved taking care of new mothers and their babies. After her retirement, she and Herm enjoyed their summers in Michigan and spent their winters in Boca Raton, Florida, at Bible Town, where they made many friends. After Herm died, Neve moved into Covenant Living, where she was very involved in many of the activities.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 5, 2025, at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may visit with her family beginning at 10 AM. Interment will be in Graceland Memorial Gardens. The family would like to thank and recognize Corewell Hospice for the loving care they provided Neve in her last days. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution to Grandville Calvin Christian High School. To leave a memory or sign the guestbook, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com