Elsie Elaine Venema Obituary (1924 - 2017)

Elsie Elaine Venema Of Rockford, MI formerly of Eaton Rapids, MI went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, March 24, 2017 at the age of 93. Elsie was born on February 15, 1924 the daughter of Raymond and Maude (Crosby) Smith in Harrisville, MI. She was a graduate of Caro High School. Shortly after high school Elsie moved to Detroit where she worked and lived with her aunt and uncle. Elsie moved home and was introduced to Maynard Venema by her good friend Pearl, they were married on December 7, 1946. She helped with the family plumbing business by taking on secretarial duties but her main job was raising and caring for her five children. Elsie was a devote Christian and most recently a member of Grace Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids. She was a talented musician and enjoyed playing the piano and singing gospel hymns. Elsie is preceded in death by her husband, Maynard; granddaughter, Kim Venema; great grandson, Jonathan Rogers and 6 siblings. Surviving are her children, Donald (Chris) Venema, Diane (Phil) Sarlo, Phillip Venema, Paul (Jan) Venema, Doris Cruz; daughter-in-law, Sandy McDonald; 23 grandchildren, 59 great grandchildren; sister, Betty Casey; brother, Dale (Janice) Smith and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to Grace Baptist Church 2592 S. Michigan Rd. Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. To share memories or condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com