Our Christmas shopping trips were always one of my favorite traditions, and anyone who knows me, knows I absolutely hate shopping. So, that says a lot about our trips together.

 We started going in 2013, always the Friday before Thanksgiving, and we never had to ask “are we going shopping this year”. We just all knew we were and scheduled our vacation time and child care arrangements accordingly. Each year we may have added a person or been down a person, but Ina, Becky and I never missed. 

We loved these trips and the memories  we made. Kind of like when Ina revoked Becky’s front seat privileges after the ride there the very first time because she kept turning the heat up in the car, making it a sauna. If you know Ina, you know she runs warm anyway.  After that Ina was always my front seat navigator. 

We never had to ask where we were eating lunch because we always got Philly cheesesteaks and fries at Charley’s. They asked us if we would like a rewards card for a free sandwich after a purchase of so many sandwiches. Without hesitation Ina said “yes”, and every year (being as organized as Ina is) she always had our punchcard. She was very proud of this. 

Another one of our favorite traditions (especially if it was cooler that day) was getting a hot chocolate (Ina usually got hers frozen) with a shot of espresso. It helped fuel us for our long shopping trip. 

The first year we went, we went from one store to another. We were getting ready to checkout, when Becky realized she left her purse in the last store. The purse wasn’t the only thing Becky had forgot in previous stores. She’s left bags, gloves, drinks, and even her cell phone. So Ina and I would always go through a checkoff sheet, so to speak, before we left every store. It was our ongoing joke, and we soon would just pick up anything Becky would forget. 

I am so grateful for all the memories Ina and I were able to make, and I will cherish them always❤️

Dear Anton Diana and sons,

Words are not meaningful ought to say what a special young woman Ina-Marie was. She has been a part of Anabelle’s young live years ago and we share in this tragic loss. Praying for you all including Addie and Brad

Oom Anton, tannie Diana, AJ en Werner.

Ek is saam met julle so jammer oor Ina-Mari. Mag die Here julle vertroos in hierdie baie, baie hartseer tyd. Ook vir haar man, Brad, en veral klein Addie ❤️. Ons dink en bid vir julle.🙏🏻

Die Venter familie

Aggenee 💔 dis verskriklik!

Oom Anton, Tannie Diana en gesin, ek is so jammer vir julle verlies en bid vir julle vir vertroosting in hierdie moeilike tyd.

Ek het soveel lekker herinneringe saam met Ina-Marie en is dankbaar vir haar rol en invloed in my lewe.

Baie Sterkte en Liefde 

Dear Diana ,  Anton and the whole Henning family - 

We are so deeply saddened to learn of Ina-Marie’s passing - no words seem fitting at this very sad time.    Please know that we have you all in our prayers and thoughts . 

Andy and Hermiene Ording 

Brad,

I'm incredibly sorry to hear of your loss! I will never forget her warm smile and kind nature. I wish you, Addie and the family all the strength in the world to get through this unimaginably difficult time.

Hello, 

I’m so sorry for your loss. Ina and I grew in the same town in South Africa and both ended up in California. She was an amazing person and someone I always looked up to. My heart goes to her family. May peace be with you.

I am so sad to hear about the passing of Ina! When I was a freshman at Ball State, I joined Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and one of the first things I noticed was Ina’s welcoming smile! She was someone I could always depend on! She will be greatly missed! Sending prayers to her husband, daughter, family, close friends, and co workers! If I can do anything please reach out! 

FHL