Lydia Westra

Lydia Westra, age 84, passed away peacefully at Woodland Creek on February 11, 2022. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 18, 2022, followed by refreshments and fellowship with the family at 2:30 p.m., both at Central Church in Oskaloosa.

Lydia Johanna (Voogd) Westra was born on September 14, 1937 in Buffalo Center to Peter and Alice Voogd. She was raised on a farm near Buffalo Center.

Lydia went to Buffalo Center Community School. Following graduation from high school, she attended Northwestern College in Orange City and received her teaching license in 1958. Lydia met the love of her life, Harold Westra, at Northwestern, and they were married June 4, 1959. During her years of teaching, she furthered her education and received her Bachelor of Arts at Central College in Pella. She was a passionate lifelong educator working in Garner, Chariton, and Fremont. 

Lydia enjoyed traveling through the United States and Europe, spending time with her dogs (Muffy and Dolly), creating and collecting art, and attending theater and music events with Harold. She truly loved all aspects of being a grandmother.

Lydia and Harold have two children, Jay (Holly) Westra of North Yarmouth, ME and Jil (Keith) Schneider of Clive; and grandchildren, Nicholas (Rachel) Schneider, Nathan (Lesley) Schneider, Mikayla Scheneider, Jake Westra and Sofie Westra.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Alice Voogd; her father, Peter Voogd; brother, Otto; sister, Mildred; and two more brothers, Melvin and Ervin.

Ernst Funeral & Cremation Services in Waukee is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.ernstfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter in Oskaloosa.