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Amanda and Kimberlee and Marissa Emkens

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Amanda Emkens Obituary

EMKENS - Amanda Renee Emkens, aged 27, Kimberlee Ann Emkens, aged 23, Marissa Lynn Emkens, aged 10, all of Grand Rapids, tragically passed away on July 7, 2011. Amanda and Kim were preceded in death by grandparents, John and Madeleine Merigian; and an uncle, Mike Merigian. Surviving are their mother, Patricia Merigian Emkens; uncle, Dennis and Liz Merigian; aunts, Deb Merigian and Shelley Catlin; cousins, Seth, Luke, and Annie Merigian. Also surviving are Amanda's special friends, Jenny, Ashley, Steve, Brett, Emily, Blair, Jen, David, and the Bueche sisters. Kimberlee's special friends; Kaitlyn, Kelly, Travis, Steve, Tony and Chris. Marissa was preceded in death by a great grandmother, Karen Cole; great grandparents, John and Madeleine Merigian, and great uncle, Mike Merigian. Surviving are her father, Chad Cole; step-mother, Julie Slifer; sisters, Layla Coons and Abbie McMurray; grandparents, Mike and Lori Lasko and Steve and Brenda Cole; great grandfather, Ed Cole, Uncle, Steven Cole; cousin, Ariana Cole; Aunt, Miranda Corner. Also surviving are many great aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1120 Four Mile Road NE with Rev. Denis Ryan C.Ss.R. officiating. Interment in Blythefield Memory Gardens. Relatives and friends may meet their families at Reyers North Valley Chapel Tuesday, July 12, 2011, from 2 to 8 p.m. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Patricia Emkens Trust Fund established for the mother and grandmother of Amanda, Kim and Marissa, through any Chase Bank. Reyers North Valley Chapel

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Grand Rapids Press on Jul. 10, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Amanda Emkens

Not sure what to say?





Sue Ward

May 1, 2012

Dear Pat,
I think of you and your girls often as I pass by. Having the girls softball field named after Marrissa was such an honor. You are in my thoughts and prayers often. Your neighbor.

Blair Faasen

August 1, 2011

Manta,
I wish I knew the right words to say. I want you back more than I want my next breath. I pray every day you are watching over us all, laughing with us like before. Life will never be the same. But our lives are better because you were in it. I will always miss you. I love you, forever. Thank you for so many amazing memories only you could give. You are still one of my best friends... now a remarkable angel ...
I love you always,
Blair

Felicia Skendzel

July 18, 2011

Sweet Angels,
I think of you constantly and hold all three of you close to my heart! You all had smiles and personalities that would light up a room. You touched so many peoples lives and your memories will live forever!

Love you!

Kelli C

July 16, 2011

To the Emkens family,My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sorry that you all have to be dealing with such a horrible loss.I hope time will ease the pain.....May they all Rest In Peace!

Dawn

July 14, 2011

I did not know these precious angels, but have family and friends that did...my heart and prayers go out to all family and friends of Kim, Amanda and Marissa. God bless...

Ashley Borey

July 14, 2011

My Dearest Manta,

I loved you more than you will ever know. You were my rock. There are so many things that I have to learn to do without you. The second you walked into a room, everyone's spirits were uplifted. I'm so grateful that I got to share millions of memories, grow with you and Marissa, and that you were my second family. Watch over us, and help us gain strength to get through each day without you. You touched so many lives and left a little part of you with each and every one of them. You will remain in my heart forever. Spread your wings my angel, and Rest In Peace.

Love,
Bash

Amy Buitendyk

July 14, 2011

To the Emkens family - my thoughts and prayers are will all of you.. May God provide peace and healing during this time.

Jill Brailey

July 14, 2011

Although I didn't know Amanda that long, I knew immediately when I meet her that she was special! She had a sparkle that drew you to her and she was warm and bubbly. She had a way of putting a smile on your face and you felt immediately like you knew her forever. Everyday we have on earth is a gift, not only for ourselves, but we are gifts to our friends and family. How lucky I was to know her!
My heart goes out to Amanda's family, especially her mother. I am so sorry for your loss of such a wonderful daughter and friend. I pray you will find comfort in your precious memories of Amanda.

Suzanne & Murray family

July 13, 2011

Our hearts goes out to you and your family. It’s hard to know what to say,
except that you are thought of
in friendship and in sympathy.
We pray the love of God surrounds you during your difficult times and he
helps you heal with the passage of time. You are in my prayers.

Sharon Attar

July 13, 2011

Dear "Grandma Pat",
Your little granddaughter's smile was a wonderful thing. We at North Park will miss her terribly.
With sadness and sympathy,
Sharon Attar

Ann

July 13, 2011

Remembering you in my prayers, may God heal your pain.

Amanda

July 13, 2011

I am so sorry, your families are in my prayers and thoughts daily. May you find comfort in those memories and from the many friends and family that loved them so.

Tom & Ruth Friar

July 13, 2011

Dear Emkens family - We too, have suffered the pain of losing a daughter & granddaughter to domestic violence. Our hearts are grieving with you at this time. May God's love & grace surround you and may family & friends help "hold you up" at this very difficult time. God be with you.

July 13, 2011

I hold you in my prayers and ask for strength in this most difficult of times. I will miss Marissa at school and have been blessed in having her in my classroom . My heart aches for all of you. Most Respectfully,
Ms. Larson

Anointed Ministries

July 13, 2011

We pray God's uncomparable comfort and peace surround you during your time of sorrow.

Pastor Leon Trotter and The Anointed Ministries Church Family

Kathie Stanford

July 13, 2011

Amanda,
I'll never forget your smiling face. We had many a fun day working at Kmart. Prayers go out to your mom Pat and your family. Lots of love to you all.

nikki street

July 13, 2011

thoughts and prayers with you at this time!RIP-amanda,kimberlee,marissa

Julie Ann

July 13, 2011

Never forgotten, in our hearts and minds forever.

Mette Johnson

July 13, 2011

Sorry to all friends and family who are suffering through such hard times, You are all loved and so honored. Mette Johnson

Joyce Barnett (kmart 104)

July 12, 2011

Pat,
I'm sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Just know that they will always be looking down on you, and their memories will always be with you.

Nicole Riley

July 12, 2011

To Amanda, Kimberlee, and Marissa:

You will be cherished and loved the rest of our lives here on Earth. We will wait for your good graces and company once we come Home.

To Ms. Emkens: I am so sorry for your loss. I know words alone will not make it better but please remember that your girls are in a better place now with Him and He will keep them safe. May the shed their peace and serenity upon you in this terrible time. We are all here for you.

RIP to the three beautiful girls we lost so tragically. You all are missed sorely.

~Nicole

Monika Harris

July 12, 2011

Amanda's presence touched so many and forever altered our lives. She will be greatly missed. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Amanda, Marissa and Kim will always be missed.

Jenni McPherson

July 12, 2011

Amanda, thank you for uplifting my spirits every time I saw you. You, Kim and Marissa will always be in our hearts.

De' Lisa Jones and Family

July 12, 2011

I am deeply sorry for the pain that has been brought upon your family. My Prayers are with you all! May God continue to watch over you and give you the Strength to hold on to your Faith. Look to God and he will bring you thru.

Elizabeth Bartlett

July 12, 2011

Rest in peace Amanda, Kim and Marissa...you will never be forgotten. Please know our loving thoughts embrace you.

Zachary Belcher

July 12, 2011

I send my thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Amanda, Merissa, and Kim. I have known Amanda almost my whole life, and she, Merissa, and Kim will be deeply missed. Even though they are not with us any longer, the girls will forever live on in our hearts and in the heavens. Rest In Peace.....

Andrea Tropea

July 12, 2011

RIP KIM AMANDA AND MARISSA!!! I LOVE AND MISS YOU GUYS SOOO MUCH!! I know u guys are watchin over all of us! And we will never forget all the times good times we had with you!! I have sooo many great memories of kim and amanda growing up and for that i am glad! U guys touched my heart soo much!! I love you guys soo much and will never ever forget about you!!!

Jenny Johnson

July 12, 2011

My girls,

We were more then just friends.. we are FAMILY!! We have been through all the good and bad that life has to offer, the memories we've made and the secrets we have shared will stay with me always. I am still in shook that something like this could happen to the ones I love. I will be sure to keep a close eye on mom and continue to share all the GREAT times we had together. I love you all so much and will never forget my best friend. I will wait till the day I can see you again. All my love

Dana & John Peterson

July 12, 2011

We are so sorry for your loss...May you all find comfort and peace.

Valerie Stanley

July 12, 2011

With deepest sympathy, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
I Was Sitting Here In Heaven
And Having A Wonderful Day.
I Started Thinking About You
And All The Things I Didn’t Get A Chance To Say.
I Don’t Want You To Worry About Me
And Please Don’t Shed Any Tears,
Because I Will Wait For You In Heaven,
If It Takes A Hundred Years.
Everything I Had On Earth
I Have In Heaven Too!
My First Day Here
My Body Became Brand New.
It Is Really Pretty Here
And I Love My New Home,
Although Your Heart Is Broken
Because My Body Is Gone.
My Love Will Always Be There
As You Go Along The Way,
Just Take A Peek Inside Your Heart
There Is Where I’ll Stay.
Know That I Loved My Family
And All My Friends Too,
My Thoughts Will Be With Each Of You
Your Whole Life Through.
In Loving Memory Of Amanda Kimberlee and Marissa
From Valerie and Dezieray Stanley

brooklynn mcnitt

July 11, 2011

all though i do not no you my best friend alexcianna knows marissa i am very sorry for you guys i hope that you can make it threw these dark times

brooklynn age 10

stacy obetts

July 11, 2011

To the family,
Although I do not know you, I cannot believe what you are going through.It is amazing how you all are known by many of the closest people I know..I have had my little brother pass on last year and I cannot imagine losing more than one family member.My heart goes out to you, I pray you will make it through this pat.support helps, but will never replace your loss.My dad went to school with you and is lost at words.Please stay as strong as you can be , that is all you can do....xoxox stacy obetts and family

mike

July 11, 2011

I'm sorry for your loss of all three girls.. I had class with Kim on more than one occasion and she always knew how to lighten the mood of everyone around her..

A. L.

July 11, 2011

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

ali anderson

July 11, 2011

you guys will be dearly missed..

maryjo lopez

July 11, 2011

I will miss you so much, sweet cakes. I was so blessed to have known you. I never saw you without a smile on your face.
you and your family are in my prayers.

michael

July 11, 2011

I have no words that can express the way i hurt for you Patty, But i believe that your ladies are watching you. They are lookin down on you with there really big smiles, and we are praying for all of your family.

Kathy Steinman

July 11, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. It's so hard to fathom. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

adam steinman

July 11, 2011

I am sorry for your loss of Amanda, Kim and Marissa and will be praying for the girls family and friends.

adam steinman

July 11, 2011

I am sorry for the tragic loss of these girls. Will keep family and friends in my prayers

Robin Veldman

July 11, 2011

Im so sorry for the loss of these loved ones...

Denise Slate

July 11, 2011

We are sorry for your loss, we are praying for all of your family. I am hoping that God grants you peace and that you have exactly what you need. God Bless! Grand Rapids Natives, Denise and Adam Slate.

Sarah Clay

July 11, 2011

I am sorry for your loss and my daughter and I are praying for you and your family..

July 11, 2011

Amanda,
I am so sorry this happened to you and your family. You didnt deserve this. Your a wonderful mommy, friend, sister, and daughter. Shall you and your family rest in peace. With love, Kelly Addington

Ross Ward

July 11, 2011

im so sorry for your loss of these wonderful girls.. i was blessed to have been able to grow up around and go to school with kim.. my thoughts and prayers go out to you..

Anita Wing

July 11, 2011

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm praying for you and your family. May god bless and be with you through this hard time.

Cheryl Paulsen

July 11, 2011

My finacee and I are so sorry for your loss and we are praying for you and your family that God will comfort you in this time of need. May God Bless You and Your Family.

Corinna Wilkens Foster

July 11, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss of three beautiful girls... may you find peace and know that my family is praying for you all. God Bless!!!

Lisa McAllister

July 11, 2011

I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that all of the neighbors on Graceland Street have you in our thoughts and prayers. Don't hestitate to reach out to others at this time of need. We are here for you.

Shelly

July 11, 2011

It must seem so surreal. When will this horrific dream be over? Let's wind the clock back to 1pm on Thursday and have them run an errand so they are not home when tragedy comes knocking. Dear family, I am so sorry for your loss and I understand. I pray you heal, and can find joy again through memories. Pat you seem so strong, but dont forget to greive and get mad and then find peace. My heart goes out to you, from someone who understands all too well what you are going through. God Bless.

Heather VanOrder

July 10, 2011

I'm so very sorry... My prayers are with all of you! so sorry....

The VanValkenburg Family

July 10, 2011

May God give you the strength during this diffticult time and remember the memories you once shared and that they will be with you always~~in your heart~~.

Friends of the Bueche family and Creston Neighborhood Neighbors.

Heidi Walsh

July 10, 2011

http://www.emkensgirls.myevent?.com/

May you find peace with God. I will miss the times we hung out and the laughs we shared, but I will remember them forever.

Melissa Henkel

July 10, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you. Just know that many people in the community hold your close in our hearts and we are praying for you and your family.

Karen Wagner

July 10, 2011

I am very saddened for the family even though I do not know you, I have a heavy heart for all of you. Please know that you are in my prayers and thoughts and I pray that God give all of you the strength and courage to go forth and live with the memories that you have with your children and grandchild. They are now beautiful angels watching you from above. I send you my heartfelt sympathy!
Karen Wagner

Samantha Decator

July 10, 2011

Aunt Brenda, Steve, Chad, Steve, and everyone else...I am just so sorry. I am thinking of all of you. There are just no other words.

terri burkholder

July 10, 2011

iam a neighbor of yours mine heart goes out to you and family and friends. prayers are with you and family..

Brook Wheeler

July 10, 2011

Prayers and condolences to family & friends! Layla you now have a special guardian angel to watch over you!! <3

tina ashbaugh

July 10, 2011

may god give guidance and strength to the emkens family in there time of neeed. i will miss amanda dearly and the laughs we shared with our dear friends the bueche sister, gone to soon, but will never be forgotten and to marissa a shining star who will twinkle in heaven love you all

Nancy Aukeman

July 10, 2011

I am so sorry for the loss of your 3 beautiful girls. There are no words that are adequate. My prayers are with you.

Stephanie McKay

July 10, 2011

Pat, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful girls. They will be truely missed. Just remember they will always be with you and looking down on you.
Chad, its so sad what you are going through. Just remember she will always be with you and she is in a better place.

Karen Carpenter #126 kmart
Stephanie McKay (Carpenter)

RIP AMANDA, KIMBERLEE, MARISSA

Debbie Sasak

July 10, 2011

I did not know this family but my heart goes out to all along with my thoughts and prayers to the rest of the family. They are in Gods arms now.

July 10, 2011

pat
i know the days and nights seem endless right now
just know that your family at k mart is here for you whatever you need. our love and support will be here
joni
(muskegon)

Patty Spring

July 10, 2011

Pat,
I thank God that he let me get to know your
beautiful family. I will greatly miss them.
I am there for you at any time. Love Your
Friend Patty Spring

Tressa Ziegler

July 10, 2011

No mother should ever have to bury her children. I am so sorry this tragedy happened. The girls will be in heaven looking over you and are in a much better place. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Melissa Wolters

July 10, 2011

So sorry for the loss of your daughter's and granddaughter. Our prayers are with you.

Kathy Breen

July 10, 2011

You have three special Angles up in heaven watching over you.May their memories and light always shine upon their family and friends left behind.Rest in peace Kim,Amanda and Marissa.

Wilma Babcock

July 10, 2011

May Our Father hover above Grand Rapids MI to ease the wounded souls and unite a community that has been shattered by this tragedy. Thinking about all of you at home and praying for the healing process to begin.

Maria Dominguez

July 10, 2011

I am saddened by this tragedy and even though i didn't know this family I am still affected by this event. I hope the family can stay strong and know even though they aren't with you in the physical sense they are with you forever. As guardian angels watching over the rest of the family. I am so sorry for your loss.

denise zalsman

July 10, 2011

my prayers go to the family to

July 10, 2011

My thought and prayers are with you all. What a tragedy! Kathy and John

Spring Hicks

July 10, 2011

Pat I cannot express the overwhelming sadness that I am feeling for you at this time of such tragedy. You raised beautiful girls and I know you were such a proud grandmother. Your dedication to those girls was known by all that knew you if only for a moment. Keep their memory fresh forever in your mind, talk to them as you always have, they are all still with you....Do not be afraid to reach out to those of us that love you and hold you so dear in our hearts....

James Edwin Jones

July 10, 2011

May they all Rest In Peace. So tragic! May those who loved them so dearly find their own peace even amid this horrific event. I pray the God of all peace will guard your hearts and in time give you comfort when there seems no way to find it. My prayers are with you all.

Kitch Family

July 10, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Emkens family at this tragic time. Amanda, Marrissa and Kim will forever be in our thoughts.

Darcie Cullers

July 10, 2011

Patty, Dennis & Family -
We are so very sorry for your loss. Words will never express how much we are thinking of you and praying for you to find some sense of comfort and peace in this tragedy.
Jim & Darcie Cullers

Diane

July 10, 2011

Thoughts and prayers go with you at this time.

Jim and Dori Rankin

July 10, 2011

Rest in Peace. You are now with the angels.

Lynn Dyer

July 10, 2011

YOU WILL CONTINUE TO BE IN MY PRAYER'S. R.I.P. KIM...AMANDA & LIL MARISSA

Brenda

July 10, 2011

What can we say when such tradgy happens to family. To the families we are all praying that you can find guidance in all this to get you thru the rough days ahead. You now have 3 special angels watching over you. Hugs to all of you.

Carol Liptrot

July 10, 2011

Although I dont know any of this family I just want you to know that my heart goes out to you May God give you all strength to get you through this difficult time I am praying for you

Eloise Wright

July 10, 2011

To the Emkens family,

So sorry and praying, for you all. This candle is a little light of peace to you.

Lois (GR. Resident)

Gerry Barker

July 10, 2011

sorry for your lost,deepley saden by this.I hope you find peace. My God be with you allways.

Lynette Ringler

July 10, 2011

To Amanda, Kim and Rissa, words cannot express how much you all are already missed. You will never be forgotten. Amanda, your laugh and your amazing heart will carry on forever in all those who knew you. Rissa, you are an angel now in Heaven just as you were an Angel here on earth.

Georgia Smith

July 10, 2011

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Allison Walker

July 10, 2011

My heart goes out to you & your family. May your wonderful memories of Amanda, Kim, and Marissa help guide you through this very difficult time.

Bork

July 10, 2011

We are so sorry for your loss..Angels in heaven are watching over you.

Nancy Pierson

July 10, 2011

Know that you and your extended family and friends are being held up in prayer.

Jeffrey DeBoer

July 10, 2011

My condolences to the family. God-Bless.

kari maurer

July 10, 2011

I'm so sorry about. Your family I will be praying for you & your family.

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