Edythe DeKuiper Obituary

"I love you all so much, but I love Jesus more." These were a few of our mother's words before she rejoiced with Him in her new home. Edythe Swanson DeKuiper passed away after a brief illness at her residence, Fountain View Retirement Village, Fremont at the age of 97. She was born on Christmas Eve in North Chicago to her Swedish parents, Charles and Lillie Swanson in 1914. In her Memoirs, 'The Swan Song,' she wrote that she attended the Fairfield Baptist Church, where she taught herself to play the piano by ear and continued to do so for church, choruses and until age 94 at Fountain View. She attended a Jewish Elementary School before she and four siblings moved to Fremont when her widowed mother married a local country school teacher. She remembers a lot of help from the Fremont Church of Christ where they worshipped, attended Lordon School, and later Fremont Public High School and graduated in 1932 as Salutatorian. After moving back to Chicago to look for work, a former teacher assisted in finding her a job at The White Agency in Fremont. In 1933, she married Ronald J. DeKuiper and celebrated 67 years of marriage. Ron preceded her in death in 2005. She was a member of the Fremont Second Christian Reformed Church, active in Coffee Break, music, and led Bible Study. She also taught 'release time bible school' in Holton Schools to over 100 children, was a Gray lady and volunteered at the medical facility and Christian School. She was an original 'soccer mom,' learned to play golf at 50, followed all sports, and was an avid reader. She is survived by a sister Marion Colman; and a sister-in-law, Evelyn Gilliland. She was preceded in death by Ronald; brother Carl; sisters Lillian, Evelyn, Myrtle; and her great grandson, Tanner Jack Ensing. She is also survived by sons, Carl R. (Bettie), Lewis J. (Judy), Thomas J. (Linda), and Michael A. (Sylvia) and 29 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She completed her Memoirs by stating, "I now realize how completely the Lord planned my life. The older I get, the more I read the Bible. I still pray each morning for my 42 great grandchildren by name. Everyone else is prayed for sometime during the day or night. May God continue to bless each one of you." The family would like to thank all of her friends, the staff at Fountain View, Pastor Case Admiraal, Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Hospice and Dr. Ceton. A Celebration of her life will take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 6, 2012 at Second Christian Reformed Church in Fremont (600 Apache Drive) with Pastor Case Admiraal officiating. Interment will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Fremont. Visitation will be at the Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home from 4-7 PM on Wednesday, December 5, 2012. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Fremont Area Community Foundation for the Ronald and Edythe DeKuiper Fund for Benevolence and Academic Scholarship Grants, or to the Faith Promise Mission Fund at Second Christian Reformed Church. You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. 637 E. Main Street - Fremont (231) 924-2130 or (888) 544-5388

Published by Muskegon Chronicle on Dec. 4, 2012.
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We were very sorry and sad to hear of Aunt Edythe's passing. We treasure those memories of time spent with her in Michigan and when she and Uncle Ron visited us in California. Like her siblings, she was very kind, gracious and fun-loving. When one loves the Lord so deeply, it is easy to love as He loves, and to live for His glory. We always remember her sweet smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13. We know that all of Aunt Edythe's loved ones and friends are looking forward to Reunion Day. May we all be found faithful. The Lord will see us safely through. "On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us." 2 Cor. 1:10.(NIV)

Love and continued prayers for all,
John, Joleen and family

John and Joleen Swanson

December 9, 2012

My heart goes out to the Family. Life like a mist can quickly fade away and disappear; all that we have can be lost and replaced with tears and sorrow. The God of all comfort has promised to make all things new. Hold on just a little while longer and you will have the opportunity to be reunited with her in paradise. 2 Corith.1:2-5.

Jami Riche

December 5, 2012

So sorry to hear of the passing of Edythe. She was always my "second mom". But so glad to know she is with Jesus and Ron and her sisters etc...
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God bless.

Kraig & Katie Ivie

December 4, 2012

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