Rev. Betsy Kamphuis

1960 - 2023

Rev. Betsy Kamphuis
The Reverend Betsy Ellen Jansen Kamphuis died on Thursday, October 26, following an intense battle with cancer. Her family, friends, and parishioners feel devastated by the loss of her life and laughter and love in their lives, and hopeful in the knowledge that she is with her God. She was a devoted minister, a strong mother, a compassionate spouse, a loving sister, a mentor, and more to many.
Betsy was born on March 1, 1960 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Charles and Audrey Jansen. She grew up in M'Kar, Nigeria, before returning to the United States, first to Mexico, MO, and then Grand Rapids again where she attended Calvin University in 1978. On the first day of college at Calvin, Betsy met the love of her life, Bob Kamphius. They were married on the last day of their senior year. They were together 41 years through moves, children, jobs, challenges, and great love and joy.
Betsy's ministry led her to attend the University of Chicago Divinity School, where she pursued advanced studies in systematic theology, and Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary. She led three churches in 23 years of ordained ministry: first, Zion Lutheran Church in Saginaw, MI, followed by the Alliance of St. Paul's in Greenville and Settlement Lutheran in Gowen. Her message was clear: God's grace was present and at hand to all. She accompanied many through the steps of their discipleship. She was mother to David Kamphius and Charlotte Gracewell, whom she loved deeply, advocated for, and believed in. She was a sister to Brenda Smith, Melanie Jansen, and Melisa Hubka. They shared the intimate tears and jokes that only sisters can share. This family, along with her father Chuck, daughter-in-law Kate, sister-in-law Kathy, brothers-in-law Greg, Mike, and Dan, and nieces and nephews Clairellyn, AnnaLeigh, Scout, Erin and Isaac, will miss her and think of her often.
Betsy took on challenges, was an empathetic listener, had a strong voice and strong desires, and laughed and laughed and laughed. She was dedicated to serving others. She loved many and was loved by many. Her joy, her love of God and Jesus, and her compassion will live on through her community, her churches, her colleagues, her friends and family.
Memorial services for Betsy will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at 4:00 pm. Visitation will take place at Hurst funeral Home on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. For those who wish to make a donation in Betsy's honor, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Settlement Lutheran Church. Memories and messages of condolence may be shared a www.hurstfh.com