Elleen French

Age 95, passed away at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence on Friday, October 5, 2018. Elleen was born July 26, 1923 in Portage to the late Swier J. and Dena (Izenbaard) Koning. On March 23, 1945 she was united in marriage to Paul A. Smit who preceded her in passing on August 12, 1959. On June 25, 2004, she married Frank French who preceded her in passing on September 14, 2014. She was also preceded in death by her son in-law, Russel Post; grandsons, Steven Post and Paul Smit; brothers, John, Ralph, Harry, Earl and Norman Koning; sisters, Nellie Thompson and Doris Clear. Elleen was above all, a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and her family rejoices that she is in heaven with Him now. Her entire life was a testimony to the goodness and grace of God and she sought to honor God by serving others. She was a member of Second Christian Reformed Church and Faith Chapel. Elleen is survived by her children, Terry (Jeanne) Smit, Kathleen (Kenneth) Klaasen, Sara Post, Keith (Debra) Smit, Julie (Stanley) Alphenaar and Trudy (Phillip) Eshuis; 27 grandchildren; 73 great-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Luckey and brother, Donald Koning; step-children, Judy (Mike) Chappell and Susan (Mike) McElwain; sisters-in-law, Pearl Koning and Saundra Ives and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service to celebrate Elleen's life and faith will be held on Monday, October 15, 2018 at 11:30 AM at Second Christian Reformed Church, 3015 Nichols Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49004, with the Rev. Tom Koning officiating. Private burial will take place at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park - South. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home on Sunday, October 14, 2018 and at the church on Monday, one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions in Elleen's memory may be given to the Kalamazoo Deacon's Conference, Kalamazoo Christian School Association Tuition Assistance, World Renew or a charity of one's choice. Family and friends may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.