Holly Renae Elzinga

Born on January 26, 1983 to Ken and Machele Elzinga, Holly was the second of their five children. She grew up in West Michigan and attended Heritage Christian School in Hudsonville, later graduating from Covenant Christian High School as valedictorian. Holly continued her studies at Wheaton College in Chicago, Illinois, earning a degree in community art and missions. Her gifts in art, music, and ministry shaped her life’s work.

Holly is survived by her parents Ken and Machele Elzinga; her siblings and their families: Jason and Karen Elzinga (Trevor, Ben, Justin, Leah, Kent, Derek, Kayla, Grace); Rachel and Jordan Eldersveld (Dani, Adaline, Rivers); Nick and Kathryn Elzinga (Alice, Sam, Lucy, James, Charlotte); Tyler and Saydee Elzinga (Molly, Rosie, Darcee). Holly cherished her nieces and nephews and found joy in creating and sharing art with them. Holly is also survived by her grandfather, Bernie Lubbers; and many extended family and friends.

Holly used her God-given talents in many ways and was especially gifted in art and music. She had a remarkable ability to notice beauty in the world that others often missed and brought that beauty to life through her drawings, paintings, and other artistic expressions. She also shared her musical gifts through singing and by playing the piano and French horn.

Holly had a deep love for the gospel of Jesus Christ and a special connection with the people of Uganda. Her first visit came during her senior year at Wheaton College, where she shared God’s Word and taught local children to create goods they could sell to support their needs. Holly embraced simplicity in her own life so she could give generously to others.

Holly’s heart remained in Uganda after that first trip. She returned many times and eventually started Fair Earth, a purpose-driven business that partnered with Ugandan artisans. She designed a product line that included jewelry, clothing, and other merchandise, collaborated with the craftsmen and women who produced them, and sold these pieces in the United States to help provide sustainable income for those she cared deeply about.

While in Uganda, Holly lived with the Opio family, whom she lovingly considered her African family. She treasured her close relationship with Dan and Jannet Opio, and with their children—Joshua, Joel, Jona, and Rebecca—who held a special place in her heart and enriched her life greatly.

Though Holly battled addiction in her later years, her life testifies to the redeeming power of God’s grace. In Christ, she found forgiveness and peace, and today she rests fully healed in His presence. “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” — Philippians 1:21

Holly will be remembered for her compassion, creativity, faith, and deep love for people. Her legacy as a woman who loved her Savior, Jesus Christ, and shared His love with others lives on through the lives she touched, the beauty she created, the kindness she showed to those in need, and her steadfast devotion to God.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, November 21, 2025 at Cook Funeral Home (Byron Center Chapel), 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Friendship CRC, 190 100th St. SE, Byron Center, MI 49315, with visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. The link for the livestream is: (https://friendshipcrc.online.church/). Alternatively, you may go to the church website and click the "Worship Livestream" link: (https://friendshipcrc.org/).

Memorial contributions may be made to Women At Risk (https://warinternational.org/) or Set Free Ministries (https://setfreemin.org/).

The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their online guestbook.