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Eleanor Meints

April 12, 2017
Kalamazoo, MI

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Eleanor J. (Bushouse) Meints, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away, peacefully, in her home on April 12, 2017. Eleanor spent her whole life caring for those around her. The only daughter of Albert and Jennie (Hiemstra) Bushouse, Eleanor was the second of four children and helped raise her siblings. Times were tough, but she learned early on how to make do with what she had, teaching herself how to sew clothing for her and her family with whatever materials were at hand. As a teenager in Comstock, she met and fell in love with Arthur Meints, whom she married in 1946. Together they raised four children: Janet (John) Scholten, Linda (Steve) French, Artie (deceased, 7/4/2012), and Gayle (Tim) Van Mouwerik. Although she always called herself a homemaker, her work extended far beyond her house. She maintained the books for her father's janitor supply company, her brother's pest control business, and her husband's celery farm, in addition to frequently volunteering at the Christian School. She was an active member in Comstock Christian Reformed Church for more than sixty-five years, teaching the ladies Bible study, fundraising for charities, and designing the new church kitchen. More than anything, Eleanor made sure that the needs of all of the people around her were met, which was evident in the loving care she gave her son, Artie, who was born with cerebral palsy. Whether it was taking him to Friendship, helping him participate in Special Olympics, or allowing him his independence, she ensured that Artie's life was long and full of happiness. Throughout her life, sewing continued to be a practical skill, but it also became her most beloved creative outlet. Between that and her counted cross-stitch, Eleanor's hands were always busy. She was an active bowler and love to travel, voyaging as far as Alaska and Hawaii, Paris and Amsterdam. Eleanor also enjoyed watching and caring for birds, something that gave her great comfort in her final days. Eleanor was predeceased by her husband, Art. In addition to her daughters, Eleanor is survived by her brother Ronald (Nancy) Bushouse, sisters-in-law, Betty (John) Schaap, June Meints, and Trudy Bushouse. She was a loving grandmother to her grandchildren, Sandra (Robb) Katje, Stephen "Morrie" French, Thien (Shannon) Duong, Kim (Kurt) Kowalski, Scott (Joanna) French, Thao Duong, Heather Van Mouwerik, and Kristin (Grayson) Lyles, and her sixteen great-grandchildren. The celebration of her life will include a visitation at Langeland Family Funeral Home, Comstock Chapel (6121 King Hwy) on Friday, April 14th from 3:00-6:00pm. Rev. Ben Hulst will lead a memorial service at Comstock Christian Reformed Church (5300 Comstock Ave) on Saturday, April 15th at 11:00am. A private interment will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Comstock. Memorial contributions can be made to the Comstock Christian Reformed Church Kids Ministries or to Park Village Pines.