Obituary from The Reflector, Battle Ground, WA - August 4, 2004

Hillie (deGroot) Stoker, 85, died July 31, 2004 in Battle Ground.

Stoker was born Feb. 22, 1919 in Appelscha, Friesland, The Netherlands, and lived her first 29 years in The Netherlands, including during the depression and World War II.

Stoker immigrated to the United States in 1948 with her husband, Hans Stoker. She lived in Nisqually and Enumclaw, and moved to Battle Ground in 1965 where she and her husband operated a dairy farm. They became U.S. citizens in 1963.

Stoker prepared meals for everyone who worked on the farm, usually serving some type of food 11 times a day.

Hans Stoker died in a tractor accident in 1972, leaving Hillie Stoker with five children and the farm.

Stoker graduated from Portland State University and earned master's degrees in teaching, theology and German. She taught German at Prairie High School and at Ft. Vancouver High School beginning in 1981. She also taught German in Community Education classes and to homeschooled students. She had a compassion for the underprivileged, especially children.

Stoker led Bible studies and was active in the Cherry Grove Friends Church. She enjoyed gardening, knitting, reading, and serving others. She was a generous person. She lived a life of faith, kindness and peace.

Stoker was preceded in death by her husband, Hans Stoker, 1972, sister Coba Zwart in 2003 and brother Jan deGroot in 1983. Survivors include daughters Fran Kirk of Battle Ground and Bonnie Medema of Everett, sons Henry Stoker of Idaho, Andrew Stoker of Iowa and Rick Stoker of Battle Ground, brother Jacob deGroot of The Netherlands, nine grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Thursday, August 5, 2004, 10:30 a.m., at Cherry Grove Friend Church, 92nd Avenue and NE 219th Street, Battle Ground, with burial at Memory Memorial Park Cemetery. The casket will be open Wedsnesday, August 4, 2004, 6-8 p.m., at Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground. Layne Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.