Esther R. Bussema

BUSSEMA, Esther R.
Of Portage, Michigan Went to be with the Lord Tuesday morning, December 30, 2008. Esther was born May 10, 1916 in Kalamazoo the daughter of John and Nellie Cook Sootsman and was a lifelong resident in the community. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in February of 1935 and was employed with the Upjohn Company for several years. Esther later worked with the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel for 15 years. She was a lifetime member of Bethany Reformed Church where she was active in the church choir, the ladies guild, and teaching Sunday School for many years. On November 11, 1938 she was united in marriage to Leonard Bussema who preceded her in death on May 27, 1987. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and a brother and sister. Surviving are her nephew, Martin Connie Schuiteboer and their children, Kristen and Lisa; brother-in-law, Martin Frances Bussema; and very special friends, Rev. Rick Donna Oppenhuizen, and their daughters, Robin, Sheri, and Christy; Rick Cindy Bowden and family; and Tom Trish Ashley. A service to celebrate Esther's life will be held 11:00AM Friday at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre with Rev. Rick Oppenhuizen officiating. Friends may meet the family from 10-11 Friday prior to the service. Private interment will be in Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Bethany Reformed Church Memorial Fund or Hospice Services of Southwest Michigan. www.langelands.com