Paula Olthof

There are many women that are blessed enough to be called mother, but there are few that immerse themselves into their role, pouring themselves into nurturing and providing their unconditional love for their children. Paula Elaine Olthof was one of these extraordinary women and completely devoted mothers who consistently set aside her own needs to tend to the needs of her children. She was a genuine caretaker at heart as she also tenderly cared for her ill husband for many years, and she could brighten the world around her with her understanding heart and her spirit of compassion. The 1930s are primarily recalled as difficult times for many American families as our nation was held firmly within the grip of the Great Depression. Paul and Cora (Moll) Wuennecke, of Grand Haven, Michigan were able to shift their focus to their own joyous occasion, however; as Cora was due to give birth to their second child at any time. They were indeed blessed with a precious gift on December 25, 1935 with the healthy birth of their daughter, Paula. Paula joined her sister Elinore, who was twelve years her senior, in the Wuennecke family and was raised primarily by her mother who was a homemaker while her father worked as a machinist. Paula attended local schools and was in the choir during her high school years. Life took a new and exciting turn for Paula when she went on a date with a delightful young man. After dating for a time, the young couple was united in marriage on September 20, 1957. For a time, Paula worked outside her home until she and George were blessed with the birth of their son Lee, who was later followed by additional siblings Joy, Pam, Brant, and Jody, all born within a ten year span! Paula treasured her role as a mother even though her children were a handful to say the least and always kept her on her toes. Her children were rambunctious, mischievous, fun-loving free spirits who more than once surprised their mother by allowing her to stumble upon them all skating across the kitchen floor that they had soaped up with dish soap! Despite this and many of their other creative endeavors, many of which resulted in injury and even occasionally involved stitches for multiple children, her children were always Paulas greatest source of joy. As a mother she was always patient with her children and treated them not only with kindness, but understanding and respect as well. Paula had a way of making sure that each one of her children knew that they were uniquely cherished in their own way. The Olthof family lived on what was known as the Pottawatamee Bayou where many precious memories were made. Together their kids often water skied, swam, and went tubing, soaking in the warm summer sunshine. Christmas was always a special time in their family as well and although Paula thought she had found the perfect hiding place for the gifts in Georges workshop in the basement, the kids staying true to form, outsmarted mom on this one too. Paula had no idea that the kids lowered Jody down the laundry shoot that was in that same workshop and hanging by his feet, was able to scope out all the gifts for the Olthof children. Later in her life, Paulas journey headed in a new direction again, just as all of her children were grown and starting new lives of their own. Paulas beloved George became ill and she spent her days tenderly caring for him over the next twelve years until his health issues finally claimed his life. During these years as a caretaker, Paula still continued to provide her children with advice, wisdom, and aided in the care of her grandchildren when she could as well. When Paula became a grandmother, she delighted in each grandchild as she had in her own children and was very active in their lives too. Her grandchildren were just as mischievous and inquisitive as her own children had once been, one grandson even dismantling Georges wheelchair with a set of tools! Paula always remained composed, however, and her grandchildren were her greatest source of pride and joy. When she had leisure time, there were activities that Paula enjoyed and that shaped her into the unique individual that her family and friends knew and loved. Paula loved to fish and it even became a ritual for her to take her rod and reel at 6 p.m., walk down to the lake and catch a bass. She also liked to hunt, which for Paula basically meant just being in the woods. She loved to knit and was good at it as well, knitting all of her children and grandchildren scarves, mittens, slippers, and sweaters. Paula loved watching soap operas and gardening in her own backyard, canning many of her own vegetables and involving her children in the process when they lived at home. Paula loved watching the birds and even occasionally had to go after the squirrels that would get into the feeder with the kids air soft BB gun! Whether she was bowling with her husband, preparing a meal with her home grown vegetables, or piecing together a jigsaw puzzle with a grandchild, Paula did everything with zest and vibrancy. She tirelessly cared for the family she adored most and was always there when they needed her. Paula was known to have a heart of gold and would do anything she could to brighten the day of another and she spent a lifetime creating precious memories which will be forever cherished. She will be deeply missed. Paula Elaine Olthof died on Thursday, March 19, 2009. Paulas family includes her sons, Lee Roger (Monica) Olthof of Norton Shores, Brant (Brenda) Olthof of Grand Haven, Jody (Jeanine) Olthof of Grand Haven; daughters, Joy (Frank) Sessoms of NC, Pam (Bryan) Ellis of VA; 12 Grandchildren, Taylor Olthof, Nickey Olthof, Kari Vigland, Renee (Adam) McNutt, Janelle DeGraves, Samantha DeGraves, Rian Ellis, Nykolai Ellis, Mariah Olthof, and Breanna Olthof; Jeremy Olthof, Jordan Olthof, 2 great grandchildren Kendra and Caden McNutt. She was preceded in death by her sister, Elinore Mastenbrook. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 23, 2009, 2:00 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes - Grand Haven, MI. Visit with Paulas family and friends on Monday for two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory, sign the online guest book, or make a memorial contribution to Hospice of North Ottawa.