Harkema, Betty E.

Mrs. Betty E. Harkema, age 81, passed away Monday, November 13, 2006 in Muskegon. She was born in Muskegon to Oren and Maryette (Hamm) Ruiter on April 26, 1925, and had been a life resident of the area. On September 20, 1946, she married Richard H. Harkema and he preceded her in death in 1989. Betty was a member of Grace Christian Reformed Church and enjoyed traveling. She remained very active and independent throughout her life. She is survived by 5 children, Wayne (Vickie) Harkema of Nunica, Joyce (John) Elmore of Healy, AK, Sandra (Robert) Williams Jr., of Whitehall, Bonnie (John) Ulmer of Muskegon and Kris Harkema of Whitehall; son-in-law, Gary Bollenbach of Muskegon; 7 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara (James) Start of Muskegon; brother-in-law, Justin Harkema of Holland, MI; half-brother, Dr. John Dale (Mary) Piersma, Huntsville, AL; and half-sister, Lois (Hirochika) Komai, Madison, WI. She was preceded in death by her sister, Beverly Harkema in 1968 and by her daughter, Fay Bollenbach in 1992. In accordance with her wishes, a private family graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery