Shirley Arlene Kaminga

Shirley was born in Sioux County, Iowa, on September 6th, 1932. She was the youngest of 5 children born to Lena (Salie) and Nick J. Kooiker. She graduated from Boyden High School in 1950. Shirley grew up on the family farm in Boyden, Iowa, close to her cousin Marilyn Arnett with whom she stayed in contact with all through her life, going on many trips with Marilyn and husband Tom.

She graduated from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa with a Bachelor's degree in education. Shirley met her future husband Paul Kaminga on a hayride singing Christmas carols in Sioux County Iowa, in the winter of 1950. She and Paul were married in 1953 at the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, Iowa. Shirley and Paul first settled in Hudson, Iowa where their two daughters, Dawn and Denise were born. In 1968 they moved the family to Hermiston, Oregon until 1980 when they relocated to Whatcom County.

Shirley taught primary school for over 40 years, ending with her retirement from Evergreen Christian School in Bellingham, Washington. Her greatest joy was her family and teaching young children. She never let a birthday go by without a card and phone call.

Shirley leaves behind many lifelong friends made through her church, her many activities; tennis, clogging, square dancing, travel and volunteer work. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and 4 siblings. She is survived by husband Paul, daughters Dawn (Larry) Haney and Denise Stilwill, 5 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and her special cousin Marilyn Arnett.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Lynden Food bank in her honor where she volunteered her time for many years.