Alice de Jager

Alice was born to Jan and Antje (Van der Vies) Akkerman in Oosterhaule, Netherlands on October 15, 1924. She was the third child out of seven, all of which were girls. Her childhood was simple as money was scarce. When she completed the 7th grade, she left home out of financial necessity to work on a dairy farm.

Alice met John, the love of her life when they worked at dairy farms that were next to each other. When John and Alice milked the cows in the pasture, they would position the cows in such a way that they could sneak glances at each other. They courted 4 years and married May 1, 1947, in the Joure Christian Reformed Church.

In May 1958, Alice and John immigrated to America with their 4 children. Adjusting to a new language and customs was not without its difficulties for Alice but she

persevered. When her children were living at home, she made it a priority to stay home with them. She loved to keep a clean house and often hummed while doing it. In the Netherlands, kids were taught how to crochet and knit in the first grade and Alice also had a sewing certificate, so her hands were rarely idle.

In retirement, Alice and John loved to go to craft fairs where they would sell their wares. They also enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren.

In March of 2012, the Lord called John home after 64 years of marriage. This left a hole in Alice's heart bigger than the Grand Canyon, yet again she persevered. In 2018 she moved to Inland Christian Home where she lived out her remaining days.

Her favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."

Alice appreciated every day that the Lord gave her. She loved to laugh and has said many times that her blessings were more than her problems. Her strength of character and love for the Lord will be the legacy she leaves.

Alice is survived by her four children, (Anna) and Dave Cline of Wayland, Mich., (Helen) Hubbard of Corona, Calif., (Andy) and Nadine De Jager of Salem, Or., and (Agnes) and Gary Vanden Bosch of Jerome, Id. In addition, there are 16 Grandchildren, 40 Great Grandchildren and 11 Great Great Grandchildren.

**The family would like to acknowledge a special thank you to Inland Christian Home for all the love and care they have given to Alice over the past 8 years. It is greatly appreciated! In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made to the Care Fund at Inland Christian Home.