Lydia Johanna Westra

Lydia Johanna (Voogd) Westra, 84, passed away peacefully at Woodlands Creek on February 11, 2022.

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

Lydia went to Buffalo Center Public Schools. Following graduation from High School Lydia attended Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa 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 Lydia furthered her education and received her Bachelor of Arts at Central College in Pella, Iowa. Lydia was a passionate lifelong educator working in Garner, Chariton, and Fremont, Iowa.  

Lydia enjoyed traveling through the United States and Europe, spending time with her dogs (Muffy and Dolly), creating and collecting art, 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, Maine and Jil (Keith) Schneider of Clive, Iowa; grandchildren Nicholas (Rachel) Schneider, Nathan (Lesley) Schneider, Mikayla Scheneider, Jake Westra and Sofie Westra. 

Lydia was preceded in death by her mother Alice Voogd, her father Peter Voogd, brother Otto, sister Mildred, brother Melvin, and brother Ervin.

A memorial service will be held Friday, March 18, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., followed by refreshments and fellowship with the family at 2:30 p.m., both at Central Church in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Ernst Funeral & Cremation Services of Waukee, IA has been entrusted with Lydia's final arrangements.