Eleanor Folkers

Eleanor "Ellie" Marie Folkers passed away into the loving arms of her Savior on Friday, May 29, 2026, from congestive heart failure. She died one week shy of her 85th birthday in her home, with family by her side, just as she wished.

Her wish to remain in her home was made possible through the loving, full-time care of one very special niece, Chelsea Burrows, along with additional support from Vicky Burrows and Alyse Burrows.

Ellie was born on June 4, 1941, in Portage, Michigan, to Pete and Winnie (Dykstra) Pasma. In the ninth inning of her life, she joyfully reflected on the love of her parents and the innocence of youth, playing and working in the celery muck of Portage with her friends and siblings. Not always innocent, however, as you could hear her tell stories of throwing pumpkins from the overpass or getting caught sneaking food from the dinner table with her brother to bring to the hobos down by the tracks that run through what is now known as the "Celery Flats." This was the start of a life marked by fearlessness and an inherent radar for anyone in need.

Ellie graduated from Portage Township High School with the Class of 1959. She continued her education, graduating as an LPAN from Pine Rest Christian School of Nursing in 1961. Fate took her in a different direction later that same year when she went to work at Gibson Guitar Company, where she met her husband of 60 years, Jim Folkers, who preceded her in death.

Jim and Ellie raised three children-Wendy, Mike, and Ben-on Pasma Avenue in Portage and later on West Lake, also in Portage. Ellie raised her children to know and see the heart of Jesus while giving them unconventional freedoms. She always enjoyed participating in their school activities.

When her work as a homemaker was complete in her early 50s, she embarked on a new adventure as a health and nutrition entrepreneur with Herbalife International. She owned three storefronts, set numerous worldwide sales records, and spoke to tens of thousands of people in arena settings throughout the world. She made friends through her business ventures who would remain lifelong companions.

Ellie is survived by her sons Michael and Ben (Heidi) Folkers, grandsons Jeremiah Nakken, Nicholas (McKenzie) Folkers, Jurien Folkers, Nick Nakken and Noah Nakken; granddaughters Hannah (Mazie) Nakken, Bethany Nakken, Moriah Nakken, and Rebekah Nakken, son-in-law Brian Nakken, sister Tootie Daggett, and sister-in-law Jan Thomas. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim; her daughter, Wendy Nakken; her grandchildren, Naomi Nakken and Nate Nakken; and her siblings, Jean Jenison and Richard Pasma.

A Celebration of Ellie's Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, with Pastor Bill Fernhout officiating. A light luncheon and drinks will follow at 3:00 p.m.

A private interment will take place at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park South in Kalamazoo.

Please visit Ellie's memorial webpage to share condolences and memories with her family at https://www.Langelands.com