Esther Drenth

Drenth, Esther J. of Parchment Esther passed away Friday morning, August 19, 2016 at Holland Hospital. She was born on June 1, 1921 in Parchment, the daughter of the late Richard and Effie (VanderWurde) Rhem. On December 27, 1943, Esther was united in marriage to Frederick Drenth. She was employed as a clerk for the City of Parchment for over 25 years and also volunteered working at elections for 61 years, including the 2016 election. She was a charter member of Haven Reformed Church where she was very active in many church activities, including bible study and Sunday school. Esther was very active at Shalom Inc, an adult foster care home, with her very special friend, Sara Collison. She was considered by each and every one an important friend. A task she enjoyed there was working in the woolery. Her kind heart and gentle spirit showed love to everyone. Equally, she loved her family and they all knew they were special to her. Surviving are five children: Jeanne Drenth of Parchment, Douglas (Dawn) Drenth of Delton, Pam (Dennis) VanWeelden of Portage, Terri (Bill) Veldman of Kalamazoo and Randall Drenth of Parchment; seven grandchildren: Justin (Marty Bero) Drenth, Lindsey (Travis) Pawlowski, Jeremy VanWeelden, Anna (Stephen) Wierenga, Kelli (Ryan) Hoeskema, Jena Drenth and Krystian Drenth; four great-grandchildren, Tanner and Tyler Drenth and Greyson and Drake Pawlowski; brother: Richard (Nancy) Rhem of West Olive; and several nieces and nephews, who she cared for very deeply. Preceding her in death were her husband of 49 years: Fred Drenth; daughter: Donna Marie Drenth; and two sisters: Lois Bussema and Josephine Hoekstra. Visitation will be from 5-8 PM on Monday, Aug. 22, and 10-11 AM on Tuesday, Aug. 23 at Haven Church, 5350 N. Sprinkle Road, with a service to celebrate Esther's life beginning at 11:00 AM on Tuesday at the church. Her brother, Rev. Dr. Richard Rhem and Pastor Keith Lohman will officiate. Interment will be in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Shalom Inc. Arrangements were entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes. Please visit Esther's personalized webpage for directions or to leave a condolence to her family at www.langelands.com.