Lila Van Ravenswaay

Lila Van Ravenswaay, age 90, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026.

A memorial service will be held at the United Reformed Church in Chino, California on September 17, 2026 at 11:00AM. 

A committal service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, October 5, 2026, at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Sioux Center, Iowa, with Reverend Jon Bushnell officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Joni and Friends, in Lila’s name.

Lila was born on September 30, 1935, in Sioux Center, Iowa, to Bert and Agnes Harskamp. She was the oldest of five daughters. Although she spent most of her childhood growing up in Sioux Center, her parents lived in California twice during her formative years.

After marrying Donald Van Ravenswaay, Lila and Donald settled in Chino, California, where they raised their five children.

Lila worked in banking for 30 years, serving in a variety of positions, including teller, loan officer, assistant manager, and, perhaps her favorite role, handling accounts for local dairies. She had an exceptionally strong work ethic and took great pride in her work, never missing a single day. Her career brought her a deep sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.

Outside of work, Lila enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and needlepoint. She also loved word games and reading. She especially treasured her faith and had a deep love for God’s Word, Bible study, and the church. She prayed faithfully for all of her family and friends. She sincerely desired that her family and others would know the Lord and be in heaven. Lila also enjoyed reading theological and doctrinal books and took great pleasure in sharing those books with others.

Lila was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She is survived by her five children: Denise and Ron Miersma of Sammamish, Washington; Alane and Fred Ferriera of Ontario, California; Joel and Shelayne Van Ravenswaay of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Minda and Rick Owens of Bakersfield, California; and Susan and Alan Mulder of Ontario, California. She is also survived by ten grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Lila is survived by her sisters Donna and Don Naimoli of Sioux Center, Iowa; Ardith and Cornie Bleeker of Sioux Center, Iowa; Carla and Jim DeRuyter of Waukesha, Wisconsin; and Joanne and Doug Ellis of Wausau, Wisconsin.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her granddaughter, Carly Van Ravenswaay.

Lila’s life was marked by faith, perseverance, hard work, and a deep love for her family. She will be remembered for her steadfast commitment to God’s Word, her willingness to share what she believed with others, and the love and care she gave to the many people who were blessed to know her.