Esther Ann Head

Notes:

OBITUARY

Kalamazoo Gazette,MI; 26 June 2009

Esther Westra, formerly on Kalamazoo, went to her eternal home on June 24, 2009, at the age of 94. Esther was born on November 4, 1914, in Penola, Virginia, to Dr. Luther Jerrell and Lucy Head. She graduated from the Medical College of Virginia with a degree in nursing, and headed to the University of Michigan to earn her certificate in public health nursing. There she met Peter Westra, whom she married on September 17, 1940.

Peter preceded her in death in 1986, as did their daughter Patricia in 1995. Esther is survived by six children and their spouses, Elsa and John VanHekken (Indianapolis, IN); Elizabeth and Donald Retsema (Oaklawn, IL); Jack and Muriel Westra (Kalamazoo); Rachel and Douglas Plasman (Grand Rapids); Richard Westra (Grand Rapids); and Rebecca and Michael Winegar (Portage). She is also survived by 23 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; a sister-in-law Rose Westra; a brother-in-law Johan Westra; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Esther retired from the Visiting Nurse Association in 1986, and served as a VNA hospice volunteer well into her eighties. She was a long time member of Second Christian Reformed Church. She continued to serve her Lord and others by volunteering in many different capacities. She will long be remembered for her generous spirit, her hospitality, and her ready smile.

The family wishes to thank all those who treasured Esther throughout her lifetime and those who loved and cared for her at Breton Manor.

Visitation will be held at Joldersma and Klein Funeral Home 6-8 PM on Friday June 26, 2009 and at the church one hour prior to the 11:00 service on Saturday June 27, 2009. The funeral will be at Second Christian Reformed Church with private interment to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Christian Schools 2121 Stadium Dr. Kalamazoo, MI 49008. JOLDERSMA & KLEIN, 917 S. Burdick



Birth:
Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Name: Esther A. Westra
Last Residence: 49006 Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, Michigan
BORN: 4 Nov 1914
Died: 24 Jun 2009
State (Year) SSN issued: Michigan (1960-1961)

Esther married Peter Westra. [Group Sheet]