Ella Kolk

Ella Mae Kolk, age 87, of Jenison peacefully passed into the arms of her Savior surrounded by her children on December 13, 2025. In her walk with the Lord, Ella lived a humble life of service, demonstrated by her love of volunteering and holding others up in prayer and encouragement. She loved being around people and always put others before herself. Her family and friends brought her great joy which was often evident in her love of laughter. Ella was preceded in death by her brothers, Elmo, Roger, Ralph, and Rodney Pennington; and former husband, Fritz Kolk. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Jeff and Sandi Kolk, Jami and Randy Beek, Kris and Ren VandeGuchte, Mark and Kristi Kolk, Robin and Greg Kerkstra; 19 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren who brought her great joy; brother, Bill Pennington; sisters-in-law, Sara (Paul) Block, Lisa VanSomeren, Janet Kolk; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Ella’s children would like to thank Henry and Barb Vanderveen for their special life-long friendship. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Ridgewood Christian Reformed Church, 1571 Baldwin St., Jenison with Rev. Michael Ten Haken officiating. Burial will take place at Algoma Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Thursday from 6-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. An additional time of visitation will be held at the church from 10 am until the time of the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Ridgewood CRC or Jenison Christian Schools.