Darnella A. " Ella " Wiersma

Throughout her life, Darnella A. Ella Wiersma held fast to the love of family. An integral part of the many lives she touched, she will be remembered for her never ending energy and fun loving personality. Years growing up on the family farm taught Ella a strong work ethic that set an example for her children and grandchildren alike. Known as a fair and well respected educator, she found balance with her caring and friendly demeanor. Ella lived through times of great struggle, but her greatest joy was found in the family she so dearly loved and treasured. The 1920s were marked by social, artistic and cultural change in America with great industrial growth. High aspirations further enhanced the era with major inventions and discoveries of great importance. Along with significant changes in lifestyle, the spirit of the Roaring Twenties and Americas can-do attitude broke tradition. New technologies, especially automobiles, movies and radio added to the lighthearted feel of the day. In Byron Center, Michigan, Percy and Frances (Debri) Ewing were experiencing changes of their own when on April 1, 1923 they welcomed the birth of a daughter they named Darnella. Darnella, or Ella as she was known, was also welcomed by older sister, Virginia Ginny, and was later joined by siblings, Betty and George Wally. As the prosperity of the Roaring Twenties gave way to the years of the Great Depression, life for most families was often difficult, and Ellas family was no exception. Ella grew up on the family farm where her father was a dairy farmer, and her mother was a homemaker. Ella learned the importance of hard work as everyone in the family put forth effort in maintaining the farm. As a young girl, farm life had its share of adventure for Ella as well. She attended Ross Elementary School, a one room schoolhouse, and had many friends. While in high school, Ella enjoyed school activities, and was quite athletic. Fun-filled times at school dances made for memorable times, especially the prom. Having graduated from Byron Center High School in 1940, Ella went on to attend Michigan State University where she was a member of the swim team. After a year, she returned to Byron Center. She met a young man named Jim Pelton, a young pilot in the Army Air Corps. The two married, made a home together, and soon, Ella was expecting their first child. Sadly, Ella was crushed when Jim died while training off the coast of North Carolina. She moved back to Michigan to be with family, giving birth to son Richard in September 1944. As fate would have it, Ella became better acquainted with Fred Wiersma, the son of longtime neighbors. They began dating, and a romance soon developed. In 1946, they became husband and wife, moving to Mancelona where Fred owned and operated a Standard Gas Station. Their son Fred, born in their apartment above the gas station, came along in 1948. The family made several moves throughout the years, having lived in Chicago, Grand Rapids and Muskegon. They finally settled in Twin Lake where they made their family home at 5506 Dalson Road while Fred worked at the North Muskegon Post Office. Throughout the years, the family spent enjoyable vacations traveling to many places such as Wisconsin, Washington, California and Nebraska. In 1962, 1964 and again in 1967, their travels gave them opportunity to enjoy three world fairs. Ella also made it a point to take part in every family reunion as she remained quite close to her parents and siblings through the years. Memorial Day was a family tradition with time spent together. Ella absolutely loved Christmastime where she loved sharing presents with everyone. She simply enjoyed being surrounded by family, and relished making huge Sunday dinners where anyone was welcome. Along with raising a family, Ella accomplished much in her life. She went on to graduate from Muskegon Community College where she took extension classes from Western Michigan University. She earned her Masters Degree from WMU, and began her first teaching job in the Reeths Puffer school district, remaining there for the next 24 years. Ella continued to be very sports minded. She taught volleyball, played softball, and also enjoyed golf. Ella possessed endless energy with her always on the go personality. She quite often was the one telling everyone else to hurry up! She was also involved in her community as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Whitehall American Legion Auxiliary. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing cards, puzzles and a good cowboy movie. She and Fred also loved to square dance, and were members of the Prominares. With the boys grown and their nest empty, Ella and Fred took time to travel. They attended the World War II Veterans reunions each year, and traveled to other memorable destinations as well. When Ella became a grandmother, she was overjoyed. Having grandchildren truly enriched Ellas life, and she loved each of them deeply. When she retired from teaching in the mid 1980s, Ella enjoyed extra time spent with her beloved family and many friends. With Fred suffering health issues, Ellas sister Betty came to live with them. Always close, this time strengthened their sisterly bond. Many trips were made to the Mayo Clinic for Ellas care, but sadly, after 57 years of marriage, Fred died in 2003. Ella was fortunate to have her sister to lean on. In November 2008, Ella herself was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and again, Betty was there for her without fail. When her dear sister unexpectedly died on March 14, 2009, Ella was truly devastated. Her own health taking a turn for the worse, Ella died on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at the age of 86. Her survivors include sons, Richard (Lynda) Wiersma of Potterville and Fred (Ruth) Wiersma of Muskegon; 9 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 1 great great-granddaughter; her brother, George (Gloria) Ewing of Byron Center; sister, Virginia (Chuck) Zoet of AL; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband and sister, Betty Hitzler. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 20, 2009, 11:00 AM at the Clock Chapel with Pastor Chris Anderson officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Friends may meet her family on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM; Masonic Service at 6:30 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial contributions to the Whitehall Order of the Eastern Star. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can submit a photo, leave a memory or sign her online guest book.