Esther made her final journey into the arms of Jesus on July 20, 2018. She fought a courageous battle against cancer for two and a half years. Her departure was very peaceful from her home she loved so much.
She was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on September 1, 1930. They lived just a few blocks from Lake Michigan. Her mother’s health caused them to move to a drier climate so Sunnyside, Washington was chosen. Her parents were William and Jacomina (DeMaagd) Eggebeen.
Esther graduated from Sunnyside High School in 1949 and worked at Amundson Hardware before moving to Iowa to help her sister who was living on a farm and raising three small children. In 1953 she married John Van Belle and after his Army commitment they settled in Sunnyside. In 1958 they moved to Yakima. She was a homemaker and was loved by her four children, her seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband John and children, Larry Van Belle (Linda), Jacqueline Bickel (Blair), Mary Davis (Jack), and Rodney Van Belle (Sandra Martin).
She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers Bill and John and baby Jerry.
She is survived by her sister, Marian Kuiper of Grand Rapids, MI and her brother Jerry Eggebeen of Yakima, WA.
In 1985 she joined Open Doors with Brother Andrew also known as God’s Smugglers. She was involved in putting on banquets and presentations to raise funds for bibles to go to Soviet Russia and Romania.
For six years she prayer walked around the City Hall and County Courthouse each week. She actively served at the Pantry of Moxee for several years distributing food. She also volunteered with the Union Gospel Mission, Habitat for Humanity and Life Choices. Many people were touched by her cards of support and encouragement.
Her works for the Kingdom of God are too many to mention but we know that the greeting she received was “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”
The family would like to thank Dr. Kaplan, Dr. Chenal and the staff at North Star Lodge for the care and compassion she received during her cancer treatment. Also, a huge thank you to their friends at Quail Run for the loving support they have shown Esther, John and family. And to her best friend Gayle Wright, thank you for loving her and being a bright spot in her life.
Viewing will be held at Keith and Keith Funeral Home on Yakima Avenue on Thursday, July 26th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A private family graveside service is scheduled for Friday, July 27th at 9:30 AM at Terrace Heights Memorial Park followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM at the East Valley Reformed Church located at 7203 Mieras Road, Yakima, WA. Feel free to wear her favorite color: pink.
The family suggest donations in memory of Esther be made to The Pantry in care of the East Valley Reformed Church.
To celebrate Esther’s life or offer her family condolences, please visit www.keithandkeith.com.
