Henrietta “Harriet” Bouw

Bouw, Henrietta “Harriet” Henrietta “Harriet” C. Bouw (Koning), age 86, of Grand Rapids, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 14, 2015, surrounded by family. Harriet was born on February 25, 1928 in Zuidlaren, Netherlands and immigrated to the United States in 1951. She was an independent woman of faith who treasured her family. She retired from Pine Rest after 33 years of faithful service. She was also a longtime member of Plymouth Heights CRC, where she served God with her time and talents. She will be lovingly remembered by her son, Albert Bouw; daughter-in-law, Joyce Bouw; grandchildren, Matt and Emily Bouw, Aaron and Carol Bouw, Justin and Sara Bouw, Trevor Bouw; sisters, Tryn Schettler, Rika Kwantes; sisters-in-law, Myrna Koning, Joyce Koning; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held on Monday 11 am at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. with Rev. Sarah Albers officiating. Interment Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may meet the family Monday from 10-11 am prior to the service at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Spectrum Health Hospice.

Leave Your Tribute Message

November 23, 2015

It is strange to meet a relative and her family through "virtual" means and after she has departed for Heaven. This is Tol from the Bouw page on ancestry.com. I feel as though I know Henrietta through the stories I've heard and from reading all the comments here. One wonders if she wouldn't say, "Well, get on with it, Tol, ya dern old fool." 😊 All I want to say is this: to be human is to be like a rocket in a NASA scaffolding, doing the pre-launch checklist - and to pass away is to ascend to the heavens all at once, with speed and a burning burst of glory. Though angels beck I shall not pause Til earth's vain trek Is done and lost And all remains Til earth's last dawn Is just the sound of that final countdown

- Tol der Terpsmastrectt

March 26, 2015

Sorry for your loss Al. Mark Babcock

March 26, 2015

Al and Family, I've heard such lovely things about your mom and know that she was loved to an uncommon degree. Blessings all of you during this difficult time, may your grief be tempered by the knowledge that she knew how loved she was, how blessed she was to have such a family. Delores Wilson-Ross

March 26, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family, Al. Our condolences for your loss. Kim and Joe Stein Kimberly Stein

March 26, 2015

Al and family First to offer my condolence's, I understand the pain. this is a very strange way to meet family. I am working on the family tree. Harriet mother (Henderik) was my Grand Fathers sister. I just learned the extent of family less than a year. I hope we can grow. My deepest condolences and prayers to all the family. I truly understand. Jan van der Borg

March 26, 2015

While I didn't have the privilege of meeting Harriet, personally, I did hear a lot of positive things about her and know that she was dearly loved by her family. I know her son, Al, and wish I could take your pain away, Al and empathize with the mixture of emotions you must be feeling right now...knowing how close you two were. Prayers and condolences to you and your family! Diane Offenbacher

March 26, 2015

Jan.15, 2015 9:17 AM I only knew about your mother through her wonderful son, Albert. You are so kind to her and a great comfort in the end. She is with the angles now and Our Savior. May your grief lighten each day, being with people that love you and are here for you my friend. Nancy Greeb