Elisabeth Christina Bok tenZythoff

Elisabeth Christina Bok tenZythoff

Services: A graveside service will be held at Greenlawn North Cemetery in Springfield, MO on Wednesday July 29, 2015 at 10:00 AM and a memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, TX on Wednesday August 5, 2015 at 1:00 PM. Online condolences may be made at www.gormanscharpf.com.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Gerrit and Elisabeth tenZythoff Religious Studies Scholarship administered by the Missouri State University Foundation, Springfield MO.

Elisabeth, known as Bep to her family, was born in Goes, the Netherlands, to Sara and Nico Bok on June 29, 1923. She was the 2nd of 4 children. She passed away quietly Friday July 24, 2015 at the age of 92 after a slow decline.

Elisabeth spent most of her youth, the war years and 6 years following the 2nd world war living with her beloved Aunt Janna just outside of Arnhem, the Netherlands in the village of Velp. Elisabeth studied home economics in Arnhem, but was forced to change her course of study to nursing as the war progressed. After the war and prior to her marriage, she spent 9 months in York, England, working as a nurse in exchange for adequate and nutritious food and meals.

After her marriage in March 1951 to Gerrit Jan tenZythoff, the newlyweds immigrated to Canada in November 1951. During their almost 10 year tenure in Canada, they served and started congregations in Maitland, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia. Education continued to be a priority in the family and the couple followed educational opportunities in Chicago, Michigan, Ohio and finally settled (and retired) in Springfield, Missouri.

For nearly 40 years, Elisabeth was active in the Springfield community, specifically volunteering her time with the Dames and other women's groups associated with Missouri State University (then Southwest Missouri State), especially with crafts and needlework. After her husband's death in 2001, Elisabeth continued to live in the Springfield community, eventually moving to Texas to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law.

In addition to her volunteer work through the University, Elisabeth was an active participant in the life, mission and outreach of First and Calvary Presbyterian Church in Springfield. She was also grateful for the visitation and support provided by First Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth.

Elisabeth is survived by her son-in-law Scot Latta of Fort Worth and several nieces and nephews in both the United Sates and the Netherlands. She was predeceased by her sisters Ina, Cornelia, her brother Nico, her loving husband of 50 years Gerrit tenZythoff, and her daughter Cora-Joan.