Alene Joan Ritsema

Alene Joan Ritsema

Alene Joan (Mulder) Ritsema was born July 21, 1926, in Orange City, Iowa, and had three brothers and nine sisters. She moved to Denver for nursing school and graduated with an R.N. degree.

Alene was the beloved wife of Gary Ritsema for more than 65 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren:

• Fred and Kathy Ritsema, Emily and Matt Duntsch (Makenna, Levi, and Grace), David and ErinStacy Ritsema, and Katie and Brian Roelofs (Ben and Mia).

• Peggy and Henry Tazelaar, Andrew and Christina Tazelaar (Isaiah) and Jeff Tazelaar.

A founding member of Third CRC, Alene sang in the choir, was head counselor of Calvinettes, and faithfully attended Ladies Aid and Women's Bible Study. She gave generously of her time to students at Denver Christian School as a tutor and nurse, and volunteered at Bethany Christian Services.

Alene's gift of hospitality will be warmly remembered by her friends and family but was also extended to friends of her children and grandchildren. She was a gifted seamstress whose fine hand-crafted quilts are treasured reminders of her love and generosity.

Quiet faith and perseverance characterized Alene's life and the 45-year struggle with the breast cancer that finally took her life. She left an example of courage and grace for her family and friends.

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:37-39).

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