Grace Rienstra

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Grace Rienstra. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Grace was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

       She was the daughter of Henry and Flora Munneke. Grace was raised in Platte, South Dakota. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Grace was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Grace's personality throughout her life.

      Though Grace was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Grace was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Grace worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Grace was raised with 2 siblings. She had older brother Jake and sister Swanie. Grace and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      For Grace, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Grace was also adept at details. Grace was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from didn't attend high school. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      Grace was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Grace cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. Compassionate and devoted, Grace worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Grace and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Grace was blessed with two, Roland and Karen. They were also blessed with seven, Kelli, Shelli, Sam, Rhonda, Rachelle, Ryan and Rolynn. Grace was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Grace was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Grace would listen before she would act.

      Taking her work seriously came naturally to Grace, and she expected the same from those around her. Grace was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Grace was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Grace handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was Home maker. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

     Her high moral standards and traditional values served Grace well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church for seventy five years. During that time, she was she liked to Entertain church visitors. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

      Not only did Grace enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included all over the U. S.

      Grace passed away on August 8, 2010 at Artesia, California. Heart, Dementia. She is survived by Children- Roland and Karen, Grandchildren Rhonda, Rachelle, Ryan, Rolynn, Kelli, Shelli and Sam, Great Grandchildren Brooke, Brandon, Bradley, Jade, Jasmine, Jonah, Lindsay,Lily Sandra, Kelsey, Carly, Tara, Rachel, Micah and Jake. Services were held at the First Christian Reformed Church of Bellflower, Ca. Grace was laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cypress.

      Grace was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Grace was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Grace Rienstra.