- Betty Ver Beek Obituary
Ver Beek, Betty Anne Betty Anne Ver Beek, age 83, went home to her Savior and King on Saturday, May 12, 2018. She died peacefully at Georgetown Manor in Grandville, Michigan. Her body was buried with the body of Herm, her husband of 56 years, on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Betty was born to Frederick and Anna (Ehlers) Alphenaar on March 17, 1935, at the family home at South Westnedge in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was the fifth of their six children. Betty graduated from Kalamazoo Christian High School. After a memorable trip to Banff, Alberta, Canada with friends, Betty worked as a secretary at First National Bank, Kalamazoo. Through her co-worker, Lucille (Ver Beek) Hiscock, Betty met Herm Ver Beek. They were married at Grace Christian Reformed Church in January 1957. After living in Portage for 10 years, their family moved to Alamo Township and then to Hudsonville where she and Herm lived 39 years before moving to assisted living at Georgetown Manor in Grandville, Michigan, in 2011. As a faithful wife, Betty showed true love to Herm. They greatly enjoyed travels togetherespecially by trainto the Smoky Mountains, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Bonnymill Inn and to her family and friends living throughout the United States. Betty was a loving mother to her three children and a diligent homemaker for her family. After her children grew up, she worked as co-owner with Herm of Plaza Home Decorating for nearly 20 years, retiring in 2004. Her eye for dcor was appreciated by many customers and her careful bookkeeping was deeply appreciated by her husband. First, as a little girl next to her dad, Betty enjoyed gardening. As a wife and mother, she grew, preserved, and prepared much good food for her husband and children. During her entire life, her flower gardens brought her much joy. Some of her fondest childhood memories were tending the family chickens as well as laundry day with her mother, who died when Betty was 10 years old. This loss seemed to cause Betty much sadness and anxiety throughout her life. Each week of her adult life, as she carefully washed and dried and ironed her own family's laundry, she seemed to recall precious memories of her mom. Betty's attention to detail was especially evident in her sewing and knitting. Her clothing and window treatments were very well made and fashionable. Betty was also a true friend. She carefully maintained deep friendships with several high school classmates for her entire life, visiting and phoning and writing each one regularly. She and her youngest sister were particularly close. Most of all, Betty was a follower of Jesus. He comforted her in her depression, and forgave her for the sharp accusations generated by her fears. His resurrection gave her a sure confidence for perfect joy in heaven. His love gave her a forgiving spirit. She was committed to teaching her children about their heavenly Father, at home, at church, and in Christian day school. Though dementia took most of Betty's own memories, she will be lovingly remembered by her children and grandchildren, Steven Verbeek and his children, Shannon (Brian) Mackay, Jesse Verbeek, Trenton Verbeek, and Caden Verbeek; Joan (Kevin) Brouwer and their children, Craig (Elisa) Brouwer, Kyle (Stacy) Brouwer, Keith (Erica) Brouwer, and Kirk (Emma) Brouwer; Brenda (Gerry) Koeman and their children, Matthew (Katie) Koeman, and Alisha (Mark) Van DerKlok; and 19 great grandchildren; her sisters, Frances Mejeur, Ann Woltersom, and Helen Jacobsen; brother, Fred (Ellie) Alphenaar; sister-in-law, Claudia Alphenaar; brothers-in-law, Pete Van't Slot and John Renema; as well as her cousins, nieces and nephews.
|
1935 - 2018 (83 jaar)
