Ethel Lenters

Ethel Lenters, 58, of Sioux Center died Thursday, June 10, 2010 at the Sioux Center Community Hospital. A visitation with family present will be held Sunday at the First Reformed Church of Sioux Center from 2-5PM. A prayer service for family and friends will be held Monday at 10AM at First Reformed Church of Sioux Center. Interment will follow the prayer service in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center. A memorial service will be held Monday at 11:00AM at First Reformed Church of Sioux Center, with Rev. Roger Voskuil officiating. In lieu of flowers the Lenters family prefer memorials be directed to Atlas of Sioux Center, 315 1st Avenue NE, Sioux Center, IA 51250. Ethel Faye Lenters was born on Oct 27, 1951 to Harold E. and Effie Vermeer in Sioux Center, Iowa. She completed her education at Sioux Center schools, and went on to receive her teaching degree in special education from Northwestern College in Orange City. Ethel married Steve Lenters on June 7, 1974 at First Reformed Church in Sioux Center. She dedicated her life to teaching at Griswold Community Schools, Kinsey Elementary, Learning Ship Pre-School, and Sioux Center Middle School. She was a life-long member of First Reformed Church in Sioux Center where she taught Sunday School and Catechism and enjoyed singing in the choir. She delighted in looking after her home and acreage for the past 22 years, riding bicycles, and caring for her family, especially her beloved grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Steve of Sioux Center; two sons and daughters-in-law: Nick and Suzanne and their two sons: Gavin and Liam of Waukee, IA, Adam and Jennifer of Sioux Center; mother, Effie Vermeer of Sioux Center; four siblings: Gayle and Dan Lafferty of Commerce Township, MI, Phil and Beverly Vermeer of Alexandria, VA, Evelyn and Douglas Gibbons of Sioux Falls, SD, and Gene and Thelma Vermeer of Sioux Center. She was preceded in death by her father, Harold E. Vermeer. She was a follower of Jesus Christ who valued love, kindness, and graciousness. She will be remembered by many as a woman who always put others before herself; intent on being a blessing and living her life to the glory of God through serving others. Online Condolences Pat DenBesten Kentwood Relationship: cousin-in-law Dear Steve and family, I'm very sorry for your loss and cannot imagine your sadness. I will always remember Ethel as warm and welcoming. Living in different states prevented us from seeing each other frequently, but I always had fun talking with you and Ethel at the Meekhof family picnics/reunions here in Michigan or Iowa. My condolences also to Ethel's family. I'm sure that everyone will miss her tremendously, but comforted knowing that she is with her Lord and Saviour. With love & prayers, your cousin Pat. Sent: 6/10/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ginger Van Roekel Boyden Relationship: Friend and co-worker Steve and family, You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. Sent: 6/10/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gene and Susan DenHerder Hollandale Relationship: Friend We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family, Steve. God has welcomed Ethel into her heavenly home and holds you all in His arms. May loving memories fill your minds and help bring you peace Sent: 6/10/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gayle and Dan Commerce Twp Relationship: sister and brother-in-law To Steve, Nick, Suz, Gavin, Liam, Adam and Jennifer: Our beautiful, vibrant, loving and lovely Ethel has left this earth. She will leave a huge empty space in our lives and we will miss her always. Our heart goes out to you. Words cannot convey our feeligs. All we can do is lift you up in prayer and we are doing that. Love, Dan and Gayle Sent: 6/10/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- glenda seely Loveland Relationship: family friend Dear Effie and family, I am so saddened and shocked about this. I wish I could be there, such loss for all of you. Many prayers, glenda Sent: 6/10/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cassie (Van Voorst) Stahl West Des Moines Relationship: family friend-old neighbor I am so sorry for the sudden loss of Ethel. Please know that I will be praying for your entire family at this time. Sent: 6/11/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gerrit & Carol Koedam Mesa Relationship: Uncle & Aunt to Marlys & Al To Steve & all Lenters & Vermeer family. So sorry to hear about Ethel's passing. You have our sincere sympathy. She will surely leave an empty spot in your life. Sent: 6/11/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brent and Kristina Bruggink Charlotte Relationship: Family To the entire family, We are incredibly sorry we can not be there. Aunt Ethel was such an amazing woman, from making a huge breakfast for us when the Brugginks would roll into town to her caring and loving nature. Our prayers pour out to you as we have faith The Lord will surround the family with his everlasting comfort and grace. We love you all. Sent: 6/11/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lois Cleveringa Sioux Center Relationship: Friends in Christ Dear Steve, Nick, Adam and Families, We share your sadness and you are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that your precious memories and promises of Heaven bring you comfort and peace. With our deepest sympathy to all-- In Christ, Lois for the Cleveringa's Sent: 6/12/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JERRY & JACQUIE GRINSTEAD TRABUCO CANYON, Relationship: "FRIENDS"..OF HIS LIGHT DEAR STEVE AND FAMILY, JUST HEARD FROM FRIENDS IN SIOUX CITY OF THE LOSS OF YOUR WIFE ETHEL.......OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES IN THIS LOSS....THE MEMORIES OF THE SIOUX CITY FUNCTIONS THAT YOU, HIS LIGHT AND EACH OF YOUR SPOUSES SHARING YOUR LOVE AND FAITH IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST...IS STILL VERY CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR LIVES WITH US........GOD LOVES YOU....AND SO DO WE!! WARM HUGS........JERRY AND JACQUIE...FORMERLY OF SIOUX CITY...AAL GRINSTEAD AGENCY Sent: 6/12/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cindy Nibbelink Worley; Haja Worley New York City Relationship: cousins Dear Steve & chilren, Dear, dear Aunt Effie, and all our beloved cousins & families--Gayle, Phil, Evelyn, Gene: Our hearts are so heavy and we mourn with you the passing of this beautiful soul. Ethel even as a child was so sweet, so good, so giving. Our hearts and prayers are with you ; we can only imagine how very difficult a time this is for you all. Yet there is a peace that passes understanding--and we know our loving God will not put on us more than we can bear, difficult as that seems right now. We love you all so much. It seems so incredible that our "little cousin" is gone. We wish we could be with you. We know that faith and prayer will sustain us all--the Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord. Surely, some good will come of this all,however terrible the heartache. Blessings,peace, and love-- Cindy and Haja Sent: 6/12/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Peg Werner Fergus Falls Relationship: Friend Dear Steve, I was shocked and sorrowed to hear of your sudden loss. I wish you courage and grace, stength and peace in the days and weeks to come. Sent: 6/12/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sue Kooiker Orange City Relationship: friends of the family Steve - my heart goes out to you and your family. There is nothing that can prepare us for the sudden loss of our loved one. The words that come to mind are from the song "Until Then" - "My heart can sing when I pause to remember a heartache here is but a stepping stone along a trail that's winding always upward - this troubled world is not my final home. But until then my heart will go on singing, until then with joy I'll carry on - until the day my eyes behold the city, until the day God calls me home." May God give you the strength and peace to get through this time of great suffering. You have a wonderful family and many friends who can be a comfort to you. Paul & Sue Kooiker Sent: 6/12/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gina Corbin Sioux Falls Relationship: Friend Steve,and Family: May God Be with you during this very difficult time! What a shock to all of us! Steve,you and Ethel will be long remembered for your long committment to the "Voices of Praise Choir" at First Reformed Church! You two alway's made Choir Fun,especially for all the Joke's,the Treat's,etc. May God Abundantly Bless you in the Day's,Week's,Month's,and Year's to come! You are in my Thought's,Prayer's,Heart,and will stay for a very long time! Steve,May God Wrap his Loving Arm's Around you,as you go on now! Love,Thought's,and Prayer's go out to you! Keep your Faith Steve,and May God Walk with you each,and every day as you continue on this long Journey ahead! Just remember Ethel is with Jim J. to,We do not alway's Understand,but God is with you Steve,and SO am I! Take care,and much Love,Gina Sent: 6/13/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kathy & Tom Cieszynski Northville Relationship: Friends of Ethyl's sister, Gayle We share your grief as a family and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. We can provide broad shoulders to lean or cry on whenever you need us. Love, Kathy & Tom Sent: 6/13/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kelly & Ted Holloway Commerce Twp Relationship: Friends of Gayle & Dan Dear Steve & Family, Our deepest sympathy to all the family. May God's love help to give you strength and peace at this difficult time. Ted & Kelly Holloway Sent: 6/13/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frank & Jane Nibbelink Grand Rapids Relationship: Cousin Dear Aunt Effie and Steve and families We were saddened to hear of Ethel's sudden passing. You have been so poignantly in our thoughts and prayers. We think of how the death of a loved one affects husband,sons, mother and siblings. Even though we feel a heaviness in our hearts and a deep sense of loss, not having had the same experience, we struggle to find words to give comfort. However, we do wish to relay our compassion, our care and our concern for each of you at this time of great loss. We commit you to our God, the God of all comfort and to His Word. II Corinthians 4:8&9 says, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down, but not destroyed". Sincerely, In Christ's Love, Frank & Jane Nibbelink Sent: 6/13/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Linda Mauck Brighton, Michigan 48116 Relationship: Friend God be with you Gayle, you are in Michael's and my hearts. In Christ we find rest, Linda Sent: 6/14/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kathy DeHaan (Irwin) Sioux City Relationship: friend Please accept my heart felt sympathy in the passing of Ethel. The first time I really got to know her, was when she was my church camp counselor when I was in the 7th grade. You just never forget people like that who have such warm and inviting personalities. Every now and then I'd see her in my adult life, and the memory of her being in my life at church camp, talking about accepting Jesus as my Lord & Savior, are so precious to me! I'm so very sorry for your loss and I'm praying for God's comfort now, and in the weeks ahead. Sent: 6/14/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mary (Vander Wilt) Zeutenhorst Orange City Relationship: Evy's classmate Steve & family, Effie and family: My heart goes out to you all. Altho I didn't know Ethel well, I always admired her gentle graciousness and infectious smile. I know she will be missed by you all. I pray for God's loving arms to uphold you all as you journey through this time of grief. Sent: 6/14/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tammie (Van Zee) Kosgei Relationship: aquaintence I just learned of Ethel's passing last night when I was talking to my mother. My heart is trying to understand how unpredictable life is and it is trying so hard to remember that God is the reason we are here. Ethel was a wonderful woman and her love for Christ and her community will be present in our hearts forever. Sent: 6/14/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dennis and Gayle Vonk LeMars Relationship: acquaintance Steve and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Ethel's passing. May God wrap His arms around you during this difficult time. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest condolences. Sent: 6/14/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alan and Linda Donalson Orange City Relationship: friend Dear Steve and family, Our prayers are with you today and in the days ahead. We don't realize how fragile our life on earth is until something like this happens. We don't understand God's plans for us, but someday we will when the veil is lifted, it will make sense. We will continue to pray for you and your family in the days ahead. May God surround you with people who care and love you. Alan and Linda Donaldson Sent: 6/14/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nancy Izzard Milford Relationship: Friend Gayle & Family I am so sorry for your loss - it is such a hard time - may the peace of God give you comfort. Nancy Sent: 6/15/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bob and Carol Van Gelder Tucson Relationship: Acquaintance Steve--You and your family are in our prayers at this time of great loss. We pray for the peace that passes understanding. I am reminded of the words of the song "Angels All Around You" and wish for you that they surround you with God's love and keep you in His arms. In Christ's Love, Bob and Carol Sent: 6/17/2010