Elizabeth (Ploegstra) Doll

Elizabeth Donna (Ploegstra) Doll, long time resident of Barbeau, MI entered eternal life early Tuesday morning after a brief illness. Betty had been in Hospice care for a short time. She spent her final days surrounded by her dear friends, children, and grandchildren saying her personal “goodbye” to each with a special memory or story of the many wonderful times they had enjoyed together. She was born in Grand Rapids, MI on July 25, 1927, as the first-born child of Sam and Esther (DeWitt) Ploegstra, Betty was married for nearly 60 years to her best friend, Bernard Doll, who preceded her in death eight years ago. Together they built their lives around farming, community involvement, and their church, while raising seven children: Nancy (Joe) Carter, P. Kathryn (Douglas) Russell, Edward Doll (Beverly), Teresa Bodine, Patricia Harris (Jeff Azis), Connie (Martin) Harris, and Mary Kay Doll (Jake Guter). She was known for her hard work ethic as evidenced in her days spent doing arduous chores on the farm, her nurturing vision and commitment to her children, and her hands on service toward the building and growth of her chosen faith community, Holy Family Church. Her most notable reputation was for her neighborly hospitality as she made everyone who came to her door feel welcomed. She took time to listen and serve a slice of her homemade pie or a sweet roll. She was an active participant in “life”, not an idle soul, as she could always find gardens to grow, apples and berries to gather, games to play, books to read, puzzles to be put together, and songs to hum, sing or appreciate. She is survived by her seven children, twelve grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters: Ardith (William)Heemskirk, Harold (Grace) Ploegstra, Robert (Elsie) Ploegstra, Fred Ploegstra, Marilyn (James) Zlystra, and Andrew (Mary) Ploegstra and countless nieces and nephews. The family will greet friends and relatives from 9:30 am until 11:30 am on Saturday May 3, 2014 in the Holy Family Church Hall. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow with Brother John Hascall as Celebrant. A luncheon will be served at the church after Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Hospice House of the E.U. P. or the Holy Family Church of Barbeau. Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.clarkbaileynewhouse.com. Interment will be in Holy Family Cemetery.

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Elizabeth (Ploegstra) Doll

July 25, 1927 - April 29, 2014