Ellen Lee Achterhof

Anyone who knew Ellen Achterhof will realize how difficult it is to fully capture her personality in words caring, supportive, comforting, generous, encouraging, patient, helpful are just a few of the adjectives which leap to mind. The simple truth of the matter is that Ellen possessed the rare ability to perceive others needs accurately, and the even rarer willingness to put those needs above her own. An incredible role model who radiated love, hope, laughter, and encouragement, she was a caring and compassionate friend to everyone she met no exceptions. Ellens loving nature and all-embracing heart will live on in the memories of all those whose lives she touched; as Ellen herself said, I pray that my family will continue to feel my presence and love for them as they continue on without me. Ellen Lee was born towards the end of the 1950s, a decade dominated by clashes between capitalism and communism as well as the Race to Space. She came into the world of Saginaw, Michigan, on August 8, 1958, and shared her birth year with the invention of the microchip, the formation of NASA, and the sales of the first Hula Hoop. Ellens proud parents, Glen and Muriel (Nelson) Snyder, raised their family in Muskegon, Michigan, where Ellen would live her entire life. Glen earned a living at Consumers Power, while Muriel was the Deans secretary at Muskegon Community College. Ellen was the baby of the family, and grew up with an older brother, Roho, to look out for her. Ellen graduated from Orchard View schools in 1976, where in addition to her classes she had enjoyed participating on the track team. She then went on to attend Muskegon Community College, and earned her degree in nursing. As the years went by, Ellen would also earn her BSN from the University of Detroit Mercy, as well as Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification. Ellen was hired at Mercy Hospital of Muskegon, where she worked in the ICU for several years. Ellens co-workers at Mercy Hospital became like a second family to her, and she treasured the time they spent together. Ellen met the man who would be the love of her life, Todd Achterhof, through the introduction of a mutual friend. After dating for three years, the happy couple was married on September 11, 1982. The ceremony was held at Samuel Lutheran Church, the church where Ellen was baptized and confirmed, and where their children would eventually be baptized and confirmed as well. It wasnt long before Ellen and Todds family began to grow, and as the years went by they were blessed with two daughters: Megan Ann (Meggie Annie) in 1985 and Sara Beth (Lamb) in 1988. Ellen was devoted to her family, and raised her children to value the importance of family ties: they were a family that stuck together, and could count on each others support. The Achterhof family was completed by two cats, Tiger and Katie, who offered joy, comfort, and unconditional love for more than twenty years. In addition to caring for her family, Ellen was also active in the community. She belonged to the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Don Rea Post 8846, and was an eager volunteer at Samuel Lutheran Church. She was a frequent sight at various bake sales, and generously offered her nursing skills to those in need. In her free time, Ellen loved lifes simple pleasures reading a good book, fresh flowers and sunshine, and wriggling her toes in the sand at the beach. She was a music lover, and a strong supporter of the Reeths-Puffer Marching Band. Most of all, Ellen loved spending time with her family, and always looked forward to the Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays. She also enjoyed family vacations, and took care to plan vacations that created lifelong memories for everyone involved. Comforting and encouraging, patient and kind, Ellen was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a dedicated nurse, and a loyal friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her many friends and family members. Mrs. Ellen Lee Achterhof died on June 10, 2013, at the age of 54. Ellens family includes her husband of 30 years, Todd; her daughters, Megan Ann Achterhof and Sara Beth (Brandon) Osborne; and her brother, Roho. She was preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Muriel (Nelson) Snyder: her mother- and father-in-law, Jean and Mike Achterhof; and her brother-in-law, Lee Achterhof. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 14, at Samuel Lutheran Church, with Rev. Marcy Miller officiating. Interment will be at Laketon Township Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family for visitation from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Clock Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Samuel Lutheran Church or the Reeths-Puffer Marching Band Program. Please visit Ellens personal memory page at clockfuneralhome.com, where you can learn more about her life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.