Nella "Derks" Bouma

Nella G. (Derks) Bouma, age 99, of Sunset Manor in Jenison, MI, passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2008. She was born May 2, 1909 in Zeeland, MI, the daughter of Herman and Maggie (Meeuwsen) Derks. Both of her grandfathers came to America from The Netherlands in 1847. Nella attended Zeeland High School, Hope College, and in 1932, received an AB degree from Western Michigan University. She taught first grade in Zeeland prior to marrying Frank William Bouma on July 9, 1935. She later taught in Grandville, owned a Book and Hobby store, and was the director of DAVARCA. In addition, she served as her husband's secretary for his work as a Real Estate Broker, Builder and Land Developer. She was very active in church and community affairs. She was a longtime member of the Grandville United Methodist Church. She has been a Cub Scout den mother, a Camp Fire Girls leader, a Sunday School teacher and Church Librarian. Early years also included the Grandville Professional Women's Club, the Ladies Literary Club and the Grandville Child Study Group. Nella served on the original Grandville Public Library Board. She was a member of the Church and Synagogue Library Association, the Maple Grove Hospital Guild and the Anna Bosworth Circle of Grandville UMC. She was a charter member of the Zeeland Historical Society. She was honored by Church Women United in 1992 as their "Valiant Woman". Nella was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, in 1995; and is survived by her daughter, Marcia Ann Bouma of Kentwood; son, William H. Bouma (Cheryl Lynn) of Holland; her grandsons, Christopher Bouma (Tina) and Matthew Bouma (Kimberly); as well as four great grandchildren. A joyful Memorial Service will be held at her Grandville United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2008, with visitation prior to the service from 1 to 3 p.m. Nella's personal motto was "Love is the Answer". Those planning on an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Hunger Fund of the Grandville United Methodist Church. Cook Funeral and Cremation Services