Rose Kamerling

Rose Kamerling was a strong - and strong-willed - woman, stronger than even she knew she could be. Her strength helped her triumph over many challenges she faced, strength she drew from her family, her friends, and her faith in the Lord. More than anything, Rose was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, whose strength and love lives on in all who knew her today. Rose's story began on a warm spring day in 1941, in the beautiful shoreline city of Muskegon, Michigan. Those were such anxious times in this country, and times of terrible conflict around the globe, as World War II thundered in the distance overseas. Yet on April 22, 1941, LaVerne and Jean (Cluchey) Verhulst found reason to celebrate, with the birth of their first child, a beautiful baby girl they named Rose Oleen. Rose was the oldest of three daughters, though her parents divorced when she was young. Times were hard for the family growing up, and Rose's mother worked as a waitress at Rose's grandmother's restaurant to make ends meet. As a child Rose attended the Angel School in Muskegon, and in her free time she enjoyed roller skating at the Curvecrest Roller Rink in North Muskegon with her cousin Mary Ann. She also grew up with a love for music, especially Elvis, who was such a cultural sensation sweeping the nation in those days. When she was 12 years old, the family moved to Grand Rapids, and Rose began attending Creston High School. She didn't graduate, but she earned her GED, and later continued her education at Davenport College in Grand Rapids, studying accounting. When she was in high school she looked out for her little sister Joan, though she never liked being the one to chaperone her dates! In 1959, when she was just 18, Rose met a man, fell quickly in love, and the two were married. Like so many young loves, though, the marriage wasn't meant to be, and they eventually divorced. It wouldn't be the last time she found love, however. One night she met a handsome man named Jerry Kamerling at a local bar, and the sparks flew between them. It was clear from the get-go that Jerry was the love of her life, and the couple was married in 1968, beginning so many wonderful years together. They bought their first home in Ada, Michigan, living there three years, before moving several more times. Eventually they settled in Norton Shores, where Rose remained the rest of her life. Together with her three children, sons Dennis and TJ, and daughter Sabrena, Rose and Jerry formed a beautiful family together. Rose was truly the matriarch of the family, very loving, very protective, and very dominant, too. She could be bullheaded, and only had to give the kids "the look," to signal her disapproval. But she took care of each and every one of them, as well as caring for the home and the family's well-being. She was very financially responsible, and well-organized, too. Rose worked outside the home in a number of jobs over the years, including a brief stint in real estate, but her primary occupation and interest was caring for her family. Family gatherings were always so important to her, especially Christmas, birthdays, and family reunions. Her life wasn't without its challenges, however. She and her husband Jerry were involved in a very serious motorcycle accident in Fruitport in 1975, which left her partially disabled. Her mind remained tack-sharp, though, and she surprised herself at how strong she could be, and the things she could do In 1977 Rose and her family were in for quite a reunion. A sister, Noella, adopted and unknown by the family, sought out her roots through the help of a friend. It was a joyous time for all when they met. Rose was a woman with many interests, many hobbies, and many loves. She adored babies and animals, and always had beloved pets over the years. She loved old, black-and-white movies, fishing off the pier at Pere Marquette, and going to the casinos, too. She also loved to shop for good deals, and did so much business with the QVC home shopping channel that they sent her birthday cards! Rose was a very particular woman, who took great pride in her appearance, and got her hair done once a week without fail. She was very fashion-conscious, and had a passion for jewelry. Rose was also very creative, and even made her own jewelry, wrote poetry, and enjoyed painting, too. Rose found inner peace through her creativity, but also through her private relationship with the Lord. She carried a powerful inner faith her whole life, yet toward the end of her life she spoke very openly of her faith to her family and friends, and it was important for them to hear her testimony of Jesus Christ as her Savior. Sadly, Rose died after a long stay at a local hospital on Thursday, April 19, 2007, at the age of 65. Rose was a wonderful woman, a woman of such great strength, love and faith. She faced many challenges in her lifetime, but also so many triumphs, triumphs found in her family, her faith, and the many fond memories she shared with us all. She will be greatly missed. Surviving are her husband, Jerry; 2 sons, Dennis Davies of Grand Rapids, Ted "T.J." Kamerling of North Muskegon, ; daughters, Sabrena Smith and Melynda Kamerlin both of Muskegon, 8 grandchildren, Pvt. David, Janelle & Matthew Smith, Amanda (Bart) Luft, Rashel, Cheri, Ted II Kamerling, Veronica Davies; great-granddaughter, Amelia Rose Luft; 4 sisters, Joan (Jerry) Eberlein of Marne, Noella (John) Bradley of Utah, Linda Westbrook of Muskegon, Patti (Butch) Conard of Montague; many nieces, nephews and close friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Jean Cluchey & granddaughter, Jessica Davies. A service is scheduled for Sunday, April 22, 2007, 2:00 PM at Clock Chapel with Pastor Lowell Anderson officiating. Interment at Mona View Cemetery. Visitation is Saturday, 5-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or sign the online guest book