Traverse City, Michigan
BENZONIA — Amanda M. DeForest, 18, passed away into God's loving arms on June 11, 2006, after a long and courageous fight with cancer. She was born July 7, 1986, on the Island of Adak in the Alaskan Aleutian Islands, to Thomas and Beatrice DeForest.
Amanda's sweet spirit and inner strength touched many people's lives, especially while enduring the sometimes grueling cancer treatments. She always had a smile and was quick to laugh.
Amanda was a 2005 graduate of Benzie Central High School and had hoped to attend Michigan State University as soon as she was well enough to do so.
Amanda loved animals, and her joys were her horse, Dancer, her dog, Sparty, as well as her cat, Caeser. She also loved hanging out with friends. She could see humor in so many things and kept her family laughing even when the end drew close.
Besides her parents, Amanda is survived by brother, Aaron; maternal aunt and uncle, Martineke and Richard Friz; maternal aunt, Laura Riley; paternal grandparents, Lavern and Florence DeForest; and paternal aunt and uncle, Nancy and Larry LaBelle. Amanda also has many surviving relatives in the Netherlands.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Maartji and Nico Blokker; she was the apple of Opas' eye. Amanda was also preceded in death by cousin, Kevin LaBelle.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 20, 2006, at 2 p.m., at Eden Bible Church, with Pastor Dan Ingersoll officiating.The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Those desiring may make contributions to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, c/o the Hematology and Oncology Department.
The Benzonia Chapel of McElduff-Jowett Funeral Homes & Cremation Service is handling the arrangements.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
You are in our hearts and prayers. We know just how difficult it is to lose a child, and I'm sure that Ben
was there to welcome her home.
God Bless you!
Vern & Joanne Josliin
July 11, 2006 | Honor
Bea, Tom, and Aaron,
WOW, it is so wonderful to read all of the postings in this Guest Book. It just puts a HUGE smile on my face to think of how many people Amanda has truly touched in the very short amount of time that she had on this earth. Nobody likes to say it outloud, but everyone wonders inside...why? Why such a young girl, and such a horrible disease? There is a reason for everything. Maybe because she has touched so many lifes, and maybe because Amanda is such a beautiful...
Shannon Evans
July 09, 2006 | Copemish, MI
I only wish Amanda and I would have become better friends. I only knew her for a short time. My memories of her are beautiful ones.
Jessica and Beau
July 08, 2006 | Buckley, MI
I never met Amada, but we prayed for her and her family as a church.
I understand she was a brave girl.
I will continue to pray for you, her family, at this time of loss and this time onward.
Sandra Lee Maginity
July 08, 2006 | Benzonia, MI
Dear Bea, Aaron, and Tom,
I am very sorry for your loss I never did get to tell you how sorry I was. If you do start to feel down just think about all the good times that you and Amanda had. I know that I will miss her dearly. But I have not yet come to grips that she's not here anymore. How is Aaron doing? I hope he's doing ok. Once again I am very sorry for you, Aaron, and Tom's loss.
Love,
Jessica McPherson
Jessica McPherson
July 04, 2006 | Silver City, MI
Although we never had the pleasure to meet Amanda, we believe that a special girl passed away far to young.
We cannot understand what the people who love her are going through, but we pray and hope that you will find consolation by knowing she is in heaven.
Ralph & Nienke Blokker
June 29, 2006 | Nootdorp, Netherlands
Tom, Bea & Aaron
In the course of a persons life there is a handfull of people that you really truly can say you will remember for the rest of your life. Amanda is one of them.I feel both privileged and blessed to know this child of God.
I will remember her till my last day on this earth and see her again on my first day of eternity.
My thoughts and prayers remain with you.
With Sincere Love,
David Miner
David Miner
June 28, 2006 | Beulah, MI
I really enjoyed spending time with Amanda, my only regret is that i didn't get to know her better. i will always remember her.
Derek Miner
June 26, 2006 | Beulah, MI
Bea, Tom and Aaron,
We are truly blessed that God put you into our lives. I thank Him every day for your friendship. Take comfort in knowing that Amanda is up in Heaven looking down on us everyday, and that she was such a special person for her time here on earth. I loved her very much and continue to love you very much! I pray that our friendship continues to grow daily!!
Love, Mama Miner
Karin Miner
June 25, 2006 | Beulah, MI
