On September 5, 2026, at age 97, Ilah Ruth (DeKock) Van Klompenberg was welcomed home into the loving embrace of her Savior Jesus Christ. Bob, her husband, awaited her arrival, having proceeded her in 2021.

Ilah, beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great Grams, aunt, great-aunt, and friend, lived an extraordinary life of love and dedication to her family. At just 16 years old, with the unexpected passing of her mother, Ilah stepped up to be the steadfast presence in the home. She said it was never a question of “if,” because it was what the family needed. With Bob, she created a beautiful, big, loving, Dutch family spanning four generations with four children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren and their spouses, and 18 great-grandchildren. Ilah and Bob passed on their deep and abiding faith in God, praying for each and every one of their family members by name at dinner each evening. 

Quick witted, a talented writer, hostess, and seamstress, Ilah was queen of “Dutch bingo,” finding connections and distant relatives wherever in the world her travels with Bob took her. Her family fondly remembers Ilah’s extraordinary attention to detail—including the daily water and air temperature reports at the cottage on Big Star Lake. She was a walking encyclopedia of local history and relations, and even in her final days shared new stories that made everyone giggle.

Ilah was editor of the school newspaper at Hudsonville Public High School, graduating as valedictorian with aspirations of becoming a nurse. She shared that those dreams were fulfilled as she journeyed alongside Bob, supporting him through life-changing heart attacks, and a stroke during their marriage of more than 69 years.

Amidst all of the changes she navigated in life, Ilah’s steadfast presence built a foundation from which her family grew and flourished. When asked, it was her faith that brought her peace, sharing Isaiah 26:3 as her guiding light: “You keep in perfect peace those whose mind is stayed on You, because they trust in You.” In her final days, she saw Bob again in a vision and together they shared one final message for us, “Tell them: The Truth is true.” 

Ilah was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Van Klompenberg; her parents, Art and Ella (Huizenga) DeKock, Tena (Zandstra) DeKock; her siblings: Norene and Herm Lubbinge, Mel Hancock, Jerene and Elmer Hoeksema, Arlyn DeKock; and great-grandson, Kole Berghuis.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: Rob and Arenda Van Klompenberg (Nick and Lauren {Amelia, Louisa, Cora}, Caleb, Katie and Mike Davis {Henry, and expected baby girl}, Nathaniel, Cody, Chase, Sam and Lauren, Savanna, and Ella); Jill and Chuck Berghuis (Joshua and Tara {Kyler, Ryenn, Hurley, Brooklyn}, Noëll and Jeff Engbers {Charley, Myles, Areli, Lance}, Gabe and Ali Berghuis {Fletcher, Clementine}, Hope and Adam Miller, and Gideon Berghuis); Ross and Suzann Van Klompenberg (Jenna and Mark Wierenga {Claire, Max}, Julia {Scarlett Hartung and James Hartung); Chip and Karen Van Klompenberg (Hunter and Victoria); sister-in-law, Dolores DeKock; many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, November 21, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Jamestown) 2371 Riley St., Hudsonville. Relatives and friends may meet the family from 10-11:30 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.