Jeanne Westra

Jeanne Westra, age 82, of Marshall and formerly of the Grand Rapids area died peacefully Friday morning, April 1, 2011 at her home in the loving care of her family.Mrs. Westra was born on May 14, 1928 in Rotterdam, Netherlands to Peter and Marie (Aarnoudse) Faasse. She was a naturalized citizen of United States. She had been a resident of the Marshall area since 1999, moving here from Rockford, Michigan. Jeanne had been employed by the Amway Corporation working in their corporate library for sixteen years.On September 12, 1946, she married Robert J. Westra Sr. in Grand Rapids.Mrs. Westra was a devoted Christian and had been an active member in several churches. While living in the Grand Rapids area she attended the Grand Rapids Calvary Church and the Rockford Baptist Church. After moving to Marshall, she became involved in the Family Bible Church.She was a very talented seamstress and lovingly made special clothing for her family. She enjoyed making fine needlepoint, crochet, and embroidery work to share with her family and friends. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.Jeanne and Robert loved to travel in their comfortable RV and were snowbird for many years. In their retirement, they traveled to many southern states. They were members of several motorhome traveling clubs and always became involved in their church groups. In their youth, they enjoyed tent camping at the Lake Michigan beaches with Holland being a special destination.She is survived by her husband, Robert; children, Robert J. (Robin) Westra of West Olive, MI, Henry S. (Carolyn) Westra of Manistee, Patricia J. (Paul) Wiers of Oconomowoc, WI, Charles P. Westra of Leonard, MI and Mari Kay (Thomas) Dobbins of Marshall; 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; sister, Corrine (Jack) Terkeurst of Grand Rapids; brother, Max (Louise) Faasse of Grandville; sister-in-law, Hazel Faasse of Barberton, OH; brother-in-law, Sanford DeHaan of Bryon Center; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Mary DeHaan and a brother, William Faasse.The family will receive friends from 2 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM Monday and 9:30 AM to the time of service Tuesday at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 723 Old US 27 N., Marshall. A funeral service to celebrate the gift of her life will be held 10:30 AM Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at the funeral home with Reverend Richard Gerten of Family Bible Church officiating.A time of fellowship and a light luncheon will follow the service at the Kempf Funeral Home Reception Hall.Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.