Anke (Antje) Ravensbergen (nee Kersbergen)

It is with sadness, as well as gratitude for a life well-lived, that we announce the passing of our wife, mother, oma, sister and aunt, Anke Ravensbergen on March 7, 2026, in Chilliwack, BC.

Anke was born in Voorburg, the Netherlands, as the third of 10 children. She was predeceased by her parents, Klaas & Freerkje Kersbergen, her infant sister, her brother Carel Kersbergen, and her son Paul Ravensbergen, and her unborn granddaughter Margriet. She leaves behind her husband Peter Ravensbergen, her children, Pieter (Netty) Ravensbergen, Jerune (Harold) Rodermond, Karl (Julia) Ravensbergen, daughter-in-law Hester Ravensbergen; Vera (John) her 16 grandchildren, Pieter-Jan (Julianna), Haaye Paul (Anouk), Ess, Anne-Greet (Henk), Sam (Jordan), Jenna (Stephan), Jamie-Lynn, Willliam (Jilise), Marie-Lies (Edwin), Daniel (Ciarra), Benjamin, Joshua, Tessa, Ian, Noah, Elize; and her 10 great-grandchildren, Joseph, Esmay, Asher, Amelia, Ephraim, Jonas, Elin, Floris, Gideon, Evangelina.

Anke was deeply loved by her husband and his faithful travelling companion for 64 years. She was also a devoted mother and homemaker. Her greatest joy was her family and offering hospitality to all who graced her home. Hers was a quiet, contented demeanor, with a hidden feistiness that showed her strength of character. Her deep, unwavering faith in her Heavenly Father undergirded all she did and gave her strength & hope during difficult times, especially the loss of her son Paul in 2013 and her health struggles over the past 20 years.

As a young woman of 19, she left the Netherlands and came to BC with her 18-year-old brother Jerry Kersbergen, to pave the way for their parents and 6 younger siblings to immigrate to Canada. Anke worked as an au pair and cleaner for a few years until she met and married Peter Ravensbergen in September 1961. She faithfully cared for their growing family and supported her husband through building a carpentry business, 7 years of college & seminary, pastoring 3 churches, moving the family back to the Netherlands, and returning to Canada in their retirement years.

Anke enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, sewing, walking and playing games with her children and grandchildren. Her endless cooking and baking were enjoyed by all. She also enjoyed her annual Sisters Weekends.

She will be remembered for her steady, uncomplaining attitude, her legacy of faith carried on by all her children and grandchildren, and her generous hospitality expressed in a welcoming home, a listening ear, and endless amounts of food.

A memorial service will be held on March 16^th at 11 am, at Willoughby Christian Reformed Church in Langley BC. There will also be a viewing and opportunity to say goodbye, before the service, from 9:30 to 10:30 am.

The service will be livestreamed and can be followed at this link   https://www.youtube.com/live/m93VBNkjuxQ?si=J4i_i-KWPW0EEq2Y

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-546-7237

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: