Rita Eileen Berends

Rita “Eileen” Berends, age 82, of Hudsonville, Michigan, departed this life and entered the presence of her Lord on Monday, April 2, 2018. Born in East Orange, New Jersey, to Hilda (Reichert) and Herman Rattasep, she grew up in a home anchored by hard work and devotion to God. Eileen graduated from Wheaton College in 1957 and took a home economics teaching job in Grand Rapids at Ottawa Hills High School. She met her husband, Eugene “Gene” Berends, in the Calvary Baptist Church choir. Following their marriage on June 20, 1959, Eileen was actively involved in ministry in her local church, in raising their five children and in Bible Study Fellowship. Her gifts of hospitality, service, and exhortation blessed her family, friends, and many others around the world during retirement years as Gene served as interim director for international Christian schools. Eileen believed her greatest ministry was prayer and in her last years willingly embraced her caregiving role to her husband. She is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Gene Berends; her children, Andrea Berends, Nancy Berends, Kurt (Anita) Berends, Lisa (Brad) Frieden and Keith (Brenda) Berends; as well as 11 grandchildren, Kayla, Brent, Kendra, and Audra Frieden, Julia (Christian) Winter, Abigail, Janey, Alexandra, and Asher Berends, and Micah and Elly Berends. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, April 9, 2018 at Calvary Church, 707 East Beltline NE, Grand Rapids, with Pastor Dann Austin officiating. Interment Grandville Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday from 3-6 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Drive SW. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to ABWE or Calvary Church.

Leave Your Tribute Message

April 08, 2018

I worked with Eileen at Consumers Energy years ago. I remember her as a loving, quiet, Godly woman and enjoyed working with her. I'm sorry for your loss but we know you will be with her again when it is time. God Bless your family!

- Cheryl Bont Ricketson

April 07, 2018

What a wonderful blessing and example she was to so many! I look forward to seeing my Aunt Eileen soon in Eternity. May the Lord comfort Uncle Gene and her family.

- Joy Berends

April 06, 2018

I am praying for God's comfort for all of Eileen's family. She was a wonderful, God-loving woman who gave so much of herself as she prayed and cared for family and friends alike. I was blessed by sharing grandma-hood with her. God bless her eternal rest. Eileen Frieden

- Eileen Frieden

April 05, 2018

I am saddened to learn of your loss, and will pray for comfort for the entire family.

- Carol Bibighaus

April 05, 2018

My parents ( Frank & Irene DeHaan) met Gene and Eileen before Ron and I did. She was a kind, loving, accepting, forgiving person; a true example of Jesus. "Enjoy your Savior face to face, Eileen." 😊

- Francine Busch

April 05, 2018

Our hearts are with your precious family. I have so many fond memories of your Mom and Dad and the love they shared not only with each other but the overflow into so many lives. I remember so many laughs as Pastor White would share adventures of deacon training seminars they would conduct together. Those years at Calvary were foundational to my spiritual growth and eternal love for my precious Lord. May God hold all of you close to His heart as He comforts you with the knowledge you will be together again. Love and hugs!!!

- Karen Ann Williams

April 05, 2018

Nancy, praying for you and your family in the loss of your mother! May our loving Lord bring the comfort only He can provide to you at this time.

- Monique Shoemaker

April 05, 2018

She was a great lady and will be missed by many! Praying for your family.

- Carolyn Jesse

April 05, 2018

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know you are comforted by knowing you will be reunited with your mother again. Praying for peace and comfort for your family.

- Marie Hoover