Obituary of Hendrika Johanna Bouius

Hendrika (Ria) Bouius, passed suddenly but peacefully into glory to be with her Saviour Jesus Christ on December 26, 2024. Her best friend and beloved husband of 54 years, Rudi, was at her side.

Ria was born in Holten, Netherlands, daughter of the late Arend and Jane Schipper. She immigrated with her family to Canada when she was 5 years old and settled in the St. Thomas area. She attended high school in St. Thomas, and studied to become a registered nurse at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital.

Rudi and Ria met at church and were married in 1970. Ria worked as a nurse until they settled with their growing family in their schoolhouse home. Together, they were founding members of Fellowship CRC and faithful members of First Christian Reformed Church (now The Junction Church and the Cambodian Fellowship). Their home was always open to family, friends and strangers. They made it a point to keep in contact with all their extended family and a wide range of friends.

Ria’s love for her Lord was evident in her faithful acts of service as her family grew. She was the president of the New Sarum PTA while her children were in school. She volunteered at church in many capacities: singing in the choir, teaching children, guiding young people, and visiting and encouraging others. Ria was an avid reader and ran the church library for many years. A devoted friend to many, her kindness and thoughtfulness will be greatly missed.

Ria will be lovingly remembered by her family: Jeanette and Brian Hiemstra, Naomi & Patrick (Brielle, David), Caleb & Rebecca, Elijah, Josiah; Derek Bouius and Aimee Ferron, Gabriel, Emery, Zahra; Carolyn and Hans Witzke, Julia, Sophia; Suzanne and Ryan Van Eijkern, Wendy, Abigail. 

She was a dear sister to Willy (Sandy✝️) Van Dorp, Grace ✝️(Gary✝️) Van Dorp, Ben (Jo) Schipper, Ed✝️ (Atty) Schipper, Jo (Ron) Newell and Jane (John) Andrews. She was a cherished aunt to many nieces, nephews and their families. 

Family will receive visitors at the Shawn Jackson Funeral Home, 31 Elgin St., St. Thomas (519-631-0570), on Wednesday, January 1st, 2025 from 2-4pm and from 7-9pm. The funeral service will be on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025 at The Junction Church, 320 Elm St., at 11 am, with an additional visitation before the service at the church from 10-10:45 am. The service will be livestreamed. Interment in Elmdale Memorial Park Cemetery will follow the service.  In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a Christian organization or a church dear to your heart.  Personal condolences to the family can be made at www.sjfh.ca