Florence "Toodee" Hamstra

Toodee Hamstra was beloved by all that knew her and her warm, caring nature brightened the days of many. Devoted to her family and dedicated to her faith, she found joy in lifting her family up in prayer. She was ever loving and helpful and it was easy to see that Toodee’s life was based on something different, something deeper, and that something was her faith. The memories she leaves behind will be cherished in the years to come. Born on April 15, 1925 in DeMotte, Indiana, Florence “Toodee” was the daughter of George and Jennie Hoffman. As faithful members of the First Reformed church in DeMotte, Indiana, Toodee was the first of 7 children in the Hoffman household, which included William G. Hoffman, Evelyn Dykhuizen, Kenneth Hoffman, Janice Schlarp, George Hoffman, Jr. and Larry Hoffman. Toodee experienced a childhood typical of her generation. Although times were lean during the years of the Great Depression, Toodee and her family found refuge in their faith and one another. Toodee attended the local schools, and during her youth she met her one and only, Andrew Hamstra. Together they shared a lasting faith and many hopes and dreams for the future. As promised to their parents Andy and Toodee waited until Andy turned 20 to marry. Andy turned 20 on December 16 and on December 21, 1945, Toodee and Andy married. In the early years of marriage Toodee cound be found alongside Andy working in the field and milking cows. During these years, Toodee and Andy were blessed with a family of their own. In 1948 Marvin came along, followed by Keith in 1951, Ginny in 1955 and Karen in 1962. Toodee and Andy raised their family in faith. As a family they attended First Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Toodee made a wonderful home for Andy and their family. She was known for her meat and potatoes kind of meals and on Sundays she treated her family to burgers and milkshakes after Sunday morning church. In addition to caring for her family Toodee never hesitated in sharing her time and talents. She was involved in Sunday school and bible school. She worked on the church Messenger and volunteered her time at Oak Grove, in addition to much more. Quite often Toodee had a batch of fresh baked cookies in the oven. Though in recent years “the boys” had to do the final stirring she was known for her Iowa Pride oatmeal cookies. She also enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! She collected bells from the many places that she traveled and when it came to music, she preferred gospel. Toodee also enjoyed reading, putting together puzzles, and crossword puzzles. When her children grew to have family of their own, Toodee welcomed 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren with open arms and a purse full of Smarties. Known as the “candy grandma” to many she enjoyed the smiles on their faces as she reached in to pull out a few for each of them before and after church on Sundays. She absolutely loved each and everyone, and savored any time spent with them. Even as her family grew, Toodee always had a way of remembering everyone’s birthdays and other special occations with a hand-picked, glittery card in the mail. When Toodee’s beloved Andy passed away on Decmeber 22, 1992, her strong faith and close faimly sustained her. Several years later, God graciously brought Bernie into Toodee’s life as a wonderful friend to walk alongside her. Toodee continued to hold her family dear to her heart. She was a dedicated, helpful woman, who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Florence Hamstra, age 90 of DeMotte, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at Oak Grove Retirement Village. She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Hamstra, great-grandson, Jordan Wallace, and brother William G. Hoffman. She is survived by her children; Marvin (Pat) Hamstra, Keith (Joan) Hamstra, Ginny (Mike) Schurman, Karen (Gary) Hamstra; 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; many nieces and nephew and friends. A service to celebrate Toodee’s life will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Community Christian Reformed Church in Roselawn. Relatives and friends may meet her family at the Community Christian Reformed Church on Thursday, March 10, 2016 from 9:00-11:00 AM. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the Franciscan Home Health & Hospice of Jasper County.

Florence "Toodee" Hamstra

April 15, 1925 - March 6, 2016