Dennis Ellens, 70
Dennis “Denny” Ellens, 70, of Holland, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.
Denny was the chief executive officer for Hudsonville Ice Cream from 2003 to 2023. During that time, he played a central role in the relocation of the company from Hudsonville to a location on 48th Street in Holland.
A celebration of life service for Denny has been scheduled for Friday, Feb. 20 at 1:30 p.m. at Central Wesleyan Church, 446 W. 40th St., Holland. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery in Holland. Visitation has been scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Central Wesleyan Church.
Ruth Kamps, 91
Ruth Helen (Laninga) Kamps, 91, of Zeeland, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at the Oaks of Jamestown.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Sherwin, in 2023; siblings, Carol and Gerald Rietberg and Gordon Laninga; and in-laws, Anna and Mel Huyser, John H. and Mary Ruth Kamps, Thelma and Henry Hoekman, Harvey and Lorraine Kamps, George and Joyce Kamps, Lois and Don Terpstra, Marcella and John Bosch, Irene Kamps, and Michael and Eunice Yankiv.
Her love for the Lord fueled her passion for serving Him with her musical talents. She taught piano lessons, played church organ and piano, directed youth and adult choirs, led worship and organized many musical programs. The family is very grateful to the many people who cared for Ruth recently including Faith Hospice, The Oaks, and Royal Park.
Ruth is survived by her daughters, Glenda (Bruce) Peters, Sandie (Rev. A. Joseph) Coffman and Kathy (Steve) VanderLaan; grandchildren, Sarah (Corey) DeGouffau, Jamie (Amy) Peters, Meg (Shaun) Page, Laura (Troy) Avery, Elijah (Natalie) Coffman, Zachary (Ashley) Coffman, John Paul (Sara) Coffman, Lindy (Andrew) Sprague and Michael (Katie) VanDerLaan; 37 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marilyn Laninga; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life service is planned for 4 p.m. today, with visitation from 3 to 4 p.m., at First Byron Christian Reformed Church, 8541 Byron Center Ave. SW, Byron Center, with a meal following. Rev. A. Joseph Coffman will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to Audio Scripture Ministries/Loker.
Julane Wiersma, 81
Julane (Julie) Wiersma, 81, of Zeeland, passed away Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.
Julie was preceded in death by her son, Shawn Douglas Wiersma, in 2004; parents, John and Ada Mulder; parents-in-law, Sam and Jeanette Wiersma; brother, Walter Mulder; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Marlene Mulder, Linda Mulder, Larry Wiersma, Nancy Wiersma, and Bonnie Wiersma.
Julie was born in Beaver Dam, Wis., and graduated from Central Wisconsin Christian High School. She and Pete were married and lived in Wisconsin where Chad and Brett were born. They then moved to Zeeland, where Shawn and Travis were born.
Julie had a servant’s heart and was a longtime member at Haven Christian Reformed Church. She served as the class administrator for more than 20 years at Bible Study Fellowship, and she served as a support driver for the Sea to Sea Bicycle Tour, driving across the country twice.
Julie is survived by her husband of 62 years, Peter; children, Chad and Cindi Wiersma, Brett and Jodi Wiersma, and Travis and Kristin Wiersma; grandchildren, Kristin and Travis Kuiper, Adam and Karli Wiersma, Zach Wiersma, Connor and Julia Ryan, Terah Ryan, Jenni and Peter Wierenga, Tyler and Marissa Wiersma, Sam and Hannah Wiersma, Ben and Courtney Wiersma, Lydia Wiersma and her fiancé Michael Byrne, Vincent Milito, Molly Milito, and Christian Milito; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Ary and Dixie Mulder; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, James and Ruth Wiersma, Rick and Micki Wiersma, and Sue Wiersma.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 11 at Haven Christian Reformed Church, 541 Alice St., Zeeland. Interment was in Zeeland Cemetery (Felch Street).
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to Bible Study Fellowship International, Haven CRC Outreach Fund or the Alzheimer’s Research Association.
Shelley Walter, 71
Shelley Rae Walter, 71, of West Olive, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2026.
Born on Dec. 14, 1954, Shelley lived a life defined by dedication, compassion, and a deep appreciation for the beauty found in everyday moments. She devoted more than 25 years of her professional career to Herman Miller, her years of service reflected her sense of responsibility and pride in her work, and she was valued by colleagues throughout her career.
In her personal life, Shelley found great joy in nature and in the company of those she loved. She was a devoted companion to her beloved dogs, Maddie and Riley, who brought her constant joy and comfort.
Shelley will be remembered for her kindness, quiet strength, and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. She leaves behind many who will miss her deeply and honor her memory always.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Paul Russcher, 70
Paul Allyn Russcher, 70, of Zeeland, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.
Paul was born in Holland on July 27, 1955, to Glenn and Dorothy (Breuker) Russcher. He graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1974, and he worked for 30 years at Haworth Inc. He married the love of his life, Melva Rae Huyser, in 1976. Paul and Melva are members of Family Church-Grace Chapel.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Melva; siblings, Gary and Marilyn Russcher, Karen and Sam Keyzer, Dennis and Julie Russcher, Douglas and Dawn Russcher, and Philip and Pam Russcher; in-laws, Mavis and Merle Marsman, Marla and Randy Vander Kooi, and many extended family members.
An open house celebration of Paul will be held today from 4 to 7 p.m. at Family Church-Grace Chapel, 9530 Woodbridge St., Zeeland. Interment will be in Zeeland Cemetery (Original).
Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.), 1185 Matt Urban Dr., Holland, MI 49423, or to Family Church-Grace Chapel, 9530 Woodbridge St., Zeeland, MI 49464.
Betty Tubergen, 97
Betty Jane Tubergen, 97, of Cadillac, passed away, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 at Royal Atrium Inn in Zeeland.
Betty was born Dec. 10, 1928 in Ina, Mich. to Leonard and Maude E. (Dowlyn) Bazuin. She graduated from McBain Public Agricultural School and worked at Cadillac State Bank before getting married. On Oct. 6, 1950 she married Clarence Tubergen at Rehoboth Reformed Church in Lucas.
After getting married, Betty worked at Carl T. Johnson Insurance in Grand Rapids for several years. After staying home to raise her children, Betty worked as a florist in Saginaw for 15 years. In 1997, Clarence and Betty retired to Cadillac, where they were members of Cadillac Christian Reformed Church.
She is survived by her children, Tim (Faith) Tubergen of Naples, Fla., Mark (Karen) Tubergen of League City, Tex., Paul (Deborah) Tubergen of Hamilton, and Melinda (John) Baur of Calamus, Iowa; grandchildren, Caitlin, Lauren, Stephen, Philip, Elizabeth, Aaron, Pieter, Claire, and Benjamin; seven great-granddaughters; and a sister, Esther Herweyer of Vogel Center.
In addition to her parents and husband, Betty was preceded in death by a grandson, Micah, in 1990.
Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 9 at Cadillac Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Ron Klimp officiating. Burial took place at Mount View Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cadillac Christian Reformed Church Benevolence Fund.
Charles Richline, 89
Charles Edward Richline, 89, of Zeeland, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026.
Charles was born in Harmony, N.J. on Sept. 4, 1936, to Charles and Charlotte (Williamson) Richline. After high school and technical school, Charles became an electrician and founded the family business, CNG Electronics, with his brother-in-law Gene Haushold and friend Norman Snyder.
Charles met Norma Mae Powers and they married in 1957. Together, they raised two children and worked side-by-side at CNG. Charles and Norma enjoyed traveling. They moved to California and later Michigan to be near family.
A man of deep faith, Charles served as a deacon and elder at Calvary Community Church (NJ) and a deacon at Sovereign Grace Community Church (CA).
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Norma; their children, Pastor Mark and Jeni Richline, and Denise and Pastor Brian Layman; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Sabrina and Joe Sato (Esther, Louis), Joshua and Samantha Richline
(Charles), Julia Richline, Isaiah Richline, Jaxom Layman, Azia Layman, Julian Layman and Caleb Layman; brother, Carl Richline; sister-in-law, Pat and Jerry Hart; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 11 at Grace Fellowship Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 435 W. Main Ave., Zeeland.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Orthodox Presbyterian Church “in memory of Charles Richline” Attn: Committee on Foreign Missions, 607 N. Easton Rd., Bldg. E, Willow Grove, PA 19090-2539.
Helen Nephew, 92
Helen Irene Nephew, 92, of Zeeland, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026.
Helen was born on Jan. 22, 1934, in Grandville. She dedicated 35 years to teaching, earning the admiration and affection of all who knew her. She held a master's degree in education, reflecting her commitment to learning and sharing knowledge. Her passion for education was matched by her love for puzzles, as she was an avid crossword and sudoku puzzler.
Helen married Harry Dale Nephew on Jan. 29, 1954, beginning a journey filled with love and shared experiences. Her life was a testament to the joy of living fully and loving deeply.
Helen is survived by her children, Mike (Adele) Nephew, Mark (Kristi) Nephew, and Joel (Corina) Nephew; siblings, Alice Geurink, Bob Hamstra, Ed Hamstra, Jim Hamstra and Don Hamstra; 17 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Harry Dale Nephew; sisters, Frances Fox and Judith Hamstra; and grandson, Zech Nephew.
A memorial service for Helen will be held Sunday, March 1 at 2 p.m. at the Holland Seventh-day Adventist Church, 11279 Ottogan St., Holland. Visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 3 to 6 p.m., and Sunday, March 1, from 1 to 2 p.m., at the church.
Sue Brown, 61
Sue Brown, 61, of Zeeland, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.
Sue was preceded in death by her sister, Lois Van Harn.
Sue graduated from Hudsonville High School and studied accounting at Davenport College. She worked at ITC for 22 years in the accounting department.
She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Dave; her children and granddaughter, Tim Woudwyk (Everleigh), Tyler and Amanda Brown, and Kyle and Alivia Brown; siblings, Emma Schering, Miney and Keith Potter, and George and Jan Flokstra; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ron and Robin Van Harn, Kathy and Jim Meindertsma, Mike and Janet Brown, and Chris and Jim Rietveld.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 7 at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland. Interment was in Beaverdam Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to Hungry for Christ.
Karen VenRoy, 81
Karen Ann (Modderman) VenRoy, 81, of Windham, Ohio, formerly of Zeeland, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in the company of her daughter.
Karen was born June 22, 1944 in Zeeland, the daughter of John and Betty Modderman. She attended Coopersville High School.
Karen married Arthur F. VenRoy on March 24, 1964. She was a homemaker, crafter, and loved spending time with her family.
Karen is survived by her daughter, Marilyn (Jay Vernon); daughter-in-law, Pamela; grandchildren, Jessica (Tim White), Melissa, Elizabeth, Nicole (Curt Miles), and Valerie; great-granddaughter, Charlea; and brothers, Robert (Carol), Roger (Linda), and Jay (Carolyn).
She is preceded in death by her husband, Arthur; parents, John and Betty; sister, Marilyn; son, Mark; and daughter, Connie.
A celebration of life will be held in Michigan.
