Martha Ellen Kuiper

Martha Ellen (Tomlonson) Kuiper, 91, of Grand Rapids, finished her life of service to the Lord and entered her eternal home on June 12, 2023. She was born on March 27, 1932 in Middlebury, Indiana to Guy and Ethel Tomlonson. She was the oldest daughter of five children: John (Veva) Tomlonson, James (Mary) Tomlonson, Waneta (Francis) Bundy, and Nancy (Wayne) Yoder. She grew up in Bristol, Indiana. After graduating from high school, she began working at Upjohn Corporation in Portage, MI and she soon met the love of her life, Kenneth Duane Kuiper. They were married for 69 years until his death in December of 2020. Together, they built their first home in Portage and eventually moved their family to Grand Rapids. They modeled a loving, committed marriage and lovingly raised five children: Kathy (Dan) Buist, Bev (Dave) Phillips, Pat (Dick) Buist, Dale (Esther) Kuiper, and Jay (Diane) Kuiper. She is also survived by 12 loving grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. This spring, in celebration of Easter, Martha and her daughter, Pat, crafted stained-glass crosses out of tissue paper and Pat posted pictures on Facebook. That post serves as a wonderful example of how Martha’s heart and love for Jesus was always evident in the work of her hands. Whenever she was preparing meals, sewing her family’s clothes, diapering children and grandchildren, directing a children’s choir, driving a school bus, quilting an heirloom, working in the garden, or painting a picture, her hands were always giving voice to her Christian faith. Everyone who knew her saw a clear expression and confirmation of her love for Jesus Christ through her servanthood to others and her love and care for her family. She enjoyed and demonstrated a special loving bond with her husband, Ken, with whom she is now enjoying eternity in heaven. A memorial service will be held for friends and family on Monday, June 26 at 6:00 PM at MKD Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Holland Home Foundation.