Clara Bolhuis Van Til

Van Til, Clara Bolhuis
Of Portage, MI Clara Bolhuis Van Til, known by name to Christ her Savior, died February 10, 2013. This was a "home-going" for our much loved mom, grandma and great-grandma who was also a sister, wife, homemaker, co-worker and friend to many. Born March 23, 1917, to believing parents on the family farm in Ellsworth, MI., she was fourth youngest of twelve children. She is survived by her own children: William Alyce Van Til of Bend, OR., Wayne Joan Van Til of Mattawan, MI., Thelma Van Til and long-time family friend Helen Petersen of Portage, MI., and Carl Ruth Van Til of Holland, MI.; by ten grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren; and by two remaining siblings, sister Hattie Veenstra of Zeeland, MI., and brother Fred Wilma Bolhuis of Ellsworth, MI. Her husband, Dick Van Til, preceded her in death January 7, 1977. Clara worked many years as a Domestic Engineer at E.W. Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI and retired at the age of 72 at which time she moved to Portage, MI. We remember her as an excellent cook, a loving mother, a quiet, caring person, and a spiritual mentor. Although we grieve, we do not grieve as those without hope. She is with her Savior. We will see her again. We commend her to the Lord and firmly believe she was welcomed home with open arms. Funeral services will be held 12:00 PM Saturday, February 16, 2013, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, West Side Chapel, 3926 South 9th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009, with the Rev. Julie VanDerVeen Van Til officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Private interment will be at East Lawn Memory Gardens, Okemos, MI. Clara's family thanks and suggests memorial donations be made to Milwood Christian Reformed Church or HOSPICE CARE of Southwest Michigan.