Maxine J. Ponstein

Maxine Ponstein, 78, of Zeeland, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at her home.

Maxine was born March 3, 1947, in Lake City, Michigan, to Milfred and Mary Adell (Shetenhelm) Peterson. After graduating from Lake City High School, she worked for many years in factories and restaurants. Max met Hollis Ponstein while working in Lake City and later they married. Max was a great cook and was always a great hostess to family and friends. Max also baked wedding cakes for many years. She was kind and generous and opened her home to many people who needed help. Maxine was a talented quilter and over many years she made over 1000 personalized quilts for hospice patients. She will be dearly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband Hollis Ponstein in 2001, her oldest daughter Jody Rittenhouse in July of 2024, her sister-in-law Irma Mokma, and her best friend since kindergarten Jeanie Thomas.

Maxine is survived by her children: Rachel Ponstein, Michelle Disselkoen, Sara Vander Molen, Tim Ponstein; six grandchildren: Dacota, Jena, Riley, Blake, Hollister, Corbin; great-grandson Benjamin, siblings: Edwin Peterson, Ruth McGee, Sue Schaaf, Leonard Peterson, Noreen Peterson; in-laws: Beth Somers, Laura Ponstein, Mary Lynn Kamara, Bill Ponstein, Tim Ponstein, Paul Ponstein, and many extended family members.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, December 1, 2025, at Beaverdam Christian Reformed Church, 5166 64th Ave., Hudsonville MI 49426. Visitation will be 3:00-6:00 PM, Sunday, at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland MI 49464. Interment will be in Beaverdam Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland.

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