Eleanor L. Vander Jagt

Eleanor L. "Ellie" Vander Jagt [Wierstra], was called home to Jesus on Monday, April 11, 2016. With her family by her side, Ellie was welcomed to heaven by her husband Ken Vander Jagt, son Steven Vander Jagt, brother Edwin Wierstra and parents Jacob and Jenna Wiestra. Ellie will be deeply missed by her daughter Janice (Scott) Datema, her beloved grandchildren Austin, Chad and Lauren Wirt, Alexis and Randy Datema. Ellie is also survived by her sister-in-law's, Barbara Sturrus and Shirley Wierstra, many nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Ellie was born in the spring of 1937 to Jacob and Jenna Wierstra in Grand Rapids and spent her entire life here. After graduating from East Grand Rapids, Ellie attended nursing school and received her LPN license. Ellie met and married the "Love of Her Life" Ken and shared 38 wonderful years together. After her two children were born, Ellie stayed home to do what she enjoyed most, being a full time mother. She later returned to nursing at Blodgett Hospital until her retirement in 1997. Ellie was truly a loving and compassionate person to all who knew her. The love for her family was beyond measure. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Ellie loved her Aberdeen church family and countless number of friends. Ellie enjoyed cooking and baking for her family, reading, word searches and playing dominos with friends. Ellie lived a life of service to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A time for relatives and friends to visit with Ellie's family will be held Friday, April 15, 2016 from 6-8 PM at Reyers North Valley Chapel. A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 11AM at Aberdeen Reformed Church, 1000 Aberdeen St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 with visitation one hour prior to the service. A special thanks to the nurses and staff at Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion for their care and compassion over the last several years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Aberdeen Reformed Church or Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion.