Elizabeth "Bette" Jane Bultema

Some people strive to succeed by chasing material wealth, countless achievements, and resounding praise from peers. Elizabeth Bette Bultema did not; her mission in life was to be an outstanding wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and helper to those in need. In this, she succeeded masterfully, acknowledged publicly by being awarded Muskegons Mother of the Year award in 1994. Bettes constant focus and crowning glory was her family. She was a gracious woman who will be remembered in numerous ways: touching her tongue to her nose to amuse her children, gently pinching them to bring them back line while at church, or simply joyfully serving her family. The legacy of love and faith and family that she leaves behind is unquestionably her greatest achievement. Life during the 1920s looked substantially different than it does today; average annual earnings were just over $1000, women were just beginning to purchase cosmetics, and buying on credit was a new phenomenon. Also during this time, Benjamin and Elizabeth (Katt) Rosema, of Spring Lake, Michigan, were celebrating the birth of their fifth child, Elizabeth Jane, on January 27, 1924. Elizabeth joined older siblings Harold, Mike, Robert, and Anne and with her own birth, the Rosema family was complete. Elizabeths father operated Rosema Market in Ferrysburg and formerly owned the Riverside Dairy in Spring Lake. He also served as Sheriff of Ottawa County from 1933 until 1937, allowing Elizabeths mother to stay home to tend to their home and care for their busy household. From an early age, Bette, as she became known, was shy and preferred to stay close to home. Later, in high school, she became more outgoing and social and was very involved in activities including Campfire Girls, glee club, and was on the annual board (student council) of Grand Haven High School, where she graduated from in 1942. Her senior yearbook describes her as skipitive, a typical blonde, but not lightheaded. Her nickname was Rosie. While Betty Beernink was her closest friend growing up, her dearest friend was always her sister Anne. Our nation became involved in WWII in December of 1941 and during the war, Bette worked as a secretary for the Ottawa County. During this time, Betty went on a double date that would change her life forever, as she met the love of her life, John H. Bultema. Interestingly, he was not Bettes date, but there was an undeniable chemistry between them. After a single date together, John returned to his submariner service, and Bette wrote him a letter every single day. On his first leave thereafter, they were married on March 1, 1944. They were separated for most of the war, and Bette was so thankful when her beloved husband returned safely to her after the war had ended. Soon, their hearts would be filled beyond measure as they were blessed with the births of nine children: Mary Beth, Barbara, John II, Ayne, Carol, Thomas, Elizabeth, James, and Paul. Bette and John began raising their family in Manistee before they relocated to Muskegon in 1965. Their children were raised in a Christian home, where their parents were both role models of various character traits including hard work, love, kindness, adventure, responsibility, and accountability. Together, Bette and John always exhibited teamwork and were a shining example of what a loving marriage should be. Bette was always supportive of Johns various endeavors, but she tended to agree with Johns mother who admonished him to keep his feet on the ground! Bette completely immersed herself in caring for her husband and children and considered it pure joy to do so. She was active in the lives of her children and as Johns business interests grew and his travel increased, much of the responsibility of raising their active family fell to Bette. She had impeccable organizational skills and was an outstanding cook, who believed that meals brought people together and were also a warm gift to others in times of stress or illness. Some of her childrens fondest memories of their mother are of her standing in the kitchen with her apron on, preparing the Sunday meal. Her children always knew if Bette was troubled by something, she would keep herself busy baking bread, cookies, pies, and cakes. Bette was such a special lady. She lived life to its fullest every day. She always enjoyed trips to the beaches of Manistee and Muskegon, snow skiing, tennis, sailing, and a general love of the outdoors. Bette loved traveling, often unconventionally, in order to quench her husbands thirst for adventure. She and John spent a month traveling around the world in celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary. They sailed with their five youngest children from Grand Haven to the Bahamas over a six month time period, and Bette never complained of rough seas as she prepared meals in the cabin below. Later in life, Bette and John continued to travel, often visiting family in the United States and abroad, including their son James in Istanbul, Turkey, and their son Paul in London, England. Bette had a way of making babies laugh, and it touched her childrens hearts when she shared this gift of laughter with their own children. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always leaving them with that special Bette lipstick mark on their newborn cheek. Elizabeth Bette Bultema was an extraordinary woman who touched the hearts and lives of so many with her sunny disposition and tender heart. She lived her life to serve others and to unconditionally love all those within her reach. Bette was a longtime active member of Berean Church, where she participated in a variety of activities, but the preparation and distribution of food was always central to her ministry to others. She was community minded and believed in commitment and responsibility. Her life reflected her remarkable character and vibrant faith each and every day. Bette will be dearly missed. Elizabeth "Bette" Jane Bultema died on Tuesday, June 30, 2009. Bettes family includes her husband of 65 years, John H. Bultema, Sr.; eight of her nine children, Mary Beth (Bill) Kennedy of Manistee, MI, Barbara (Daye) Pennell of Wellston, MI, Ayne Gillern of Asheville, NC, Carol (Syd) Millman of Waukesha, WI, Tom (Chris) Bultema of Muskegon, MI, Elizabeth (Tim) Horgan of Spokane, WA, Pastor James (Renata) Bultema of Antalya, Turkey, Paul (Julie) Bultema of London, England, 59 grand and great grandchildren; and sister, and dearest friend, Anne Walker, of Spring Lake, MI. Bette was preceded in death by her brothers, Harold (Alice), Mike (Net) and Robert (Eleanor); their parents; and has now been joyfully reunited with her eldest son, John (Debi) Bultema II, who passed away unexpectedly on August 19, 2008. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2009, 2:00 p.m. at Berean Church with Rev. James Bultema, Pastor Craig Apel, & Pastor Dwight Reed officiating. Visit with Bettes family and friends following the service at the church and also on Monday, July 6, 2009, 2:00-4:00 and 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes - Muskegon location - Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to Berean Church or Harbor Hospice.