Ada Y. (Hiemstra) Jorritsma

Jorritsma, Ada Y.,
of Portage, Michigan

Ada (Yke) Jorritsma, age 97, went home to be with her Lord on July 11, 2020.

Ada was born January 9, 1923 in Oosthem, (Friesland) Netherlands, a daughter and one of ten children of Sijtze S. Hiemstra and Maaike Hiemstra-Kuipers. She was raised on a farm in Oosthem and went to a Christian elementary school. Later she spent two years working on the family farm before going to a finishing school for girls. In her youth, she enjoyed biking, skating and singing in a choir. Ada met Jerry (Jorrit) Jorritsma at age 18 and got married on September 24, 1947 after World War II. They immigrated to the United States in 1948 working for several farmers in New Jersey before renting a farm in Washingtonville, New York and then purchasing a dairy farm in Standfordville, New York. In 1967, Ada and Jerry purchased a beef farm in Bronson, Michigan and enjoyed many happy years there.

Following Jerry's passing, Ada moved to Portage, Michigan where she has been a long time resident. She was a member of First Reformed Church of Portage and enjoyed participating in the ladies church group (Dorcas). Ada loved to knit and crochet for their various causes. She had a passion for attending to her many flowers and plants over the years. Ada enjoyed feeding hummingbirds and other birds in her backyard. She also loved the challenge of working on jigsaw puzzles. Her framed puzzles were admired by many and she was especially proud to have her favorite puzzle hung in the Prayer Room at the church.

As a family, we will always remember her kind and loving dedication to each one of us. Although we lived far and wide in several countries, Ada was always excited to pass on the family news through many weekly phone calls. She enjoyed being independent and healthy until the end of her life.

We have been truly blessed to have Ada as our beloved Mother, Beppe and Great Beppe. She is now home with the Lord and her beloved husband. Forever she will remain in our hearts.

Ada was proceeded in death by her husband Jerry (Jorrit) Jorritsma November 4th, 1984. She was also proceeded by her parents and eight siblings: Tsjitske Damstra, Symen Hiemstra, Douwe Hiemstra, Pieter Hiemstra, Willem Hiemstra, Rinke Hiemstra, Corrie DeVries and Marten Hiemstra.

Surviving are four children: Margaret (John) Hagens, Aredine Jorritsma (Tom McClughen), Jerrold (Alena) Jorritsma and Corrine (Mark) Jasper; five grandchildren: Heidi Sherrick, Shanna Hagens, Jevon (Susan) Hagens, Linnea Hagens and Jared Hagens; four great-grandchildren: Zachary Younger, Evan Younger, Lillian Hagens and Willow Hagens; a sister Wietske (Theun) Ruim and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A limited visitation with social distancing and masks required will be held on Tuesday July 14, 2020 at Langeland Family Funeral Home, 3926 South 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI. A private graveside service will be held on Wednesday July 15, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis, MI with Pastor Clayton Smith officiating. A public Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date due to Covid-19.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Ada's memory maybe directed to the American Heart and Stroke Associations, the First Reformed Church of Portage or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.

Please visit Ada's personalized web page to sign her online guest book and leave a condolence or message for her family at: https://www.langelands.com