Ellen Jane Rottman

Rottman, Ellen J. ROTTMAN – Ellen Jane Rottman, age 80 – Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and aunt has left her life on this earth to join her Savior on Thursday, October 9, 2014.  Her strength, independence and perseverance without complaint was a testament and witness to all of us that loved her.  We rejoice that she has left her body on this earth behind and is now in heaven with her Lord.  Ellen loved her children and grandchildren dearly, as well as her church family at Grace Christian Reformed church, where she was a member for over 45 years.  Born on November 24, 1933, Ellen grew up in Detroit and Grosse Pointe, Michigan, born to Edward and Jennie VanderBrug.  She married Theodore Rottman on August 19, 1955.  She was a teacher, coach, administrative assistant, mother and friend.  Her love of books and writing was something she shared with her children and family her whole life and her favorite place to be was the family cottage on Lake Michigan, especially when enjoyed with her children and grandchildren.  She loved to take walks along the beach shore.  Ellen had a quiet strength and dignity that was evident to all who knew her.  She is survived by her children, Russell Rottman of Grand Rapids, MI, Jill (Ron) Hausmann of Marne, MI, Julie (Dave) VanHaitsma of McBain, MI, and Matthew (Sarah) Rottman of Holt, MI; her brothers, Duane (Adele) VanderBrug of Cascade, MI, Melvin (Barb) Vander Brug of Bloomfield Township, MI, and Gordon (Cathy) VanderBrug of Mashpee, MA.  She is also survived by brother-in-law, Jack (Freddie) Rottman of Muskegon, MI and sister-in-law, Carol Rottman.  She will be missed by her grandchildren, Stephanie (Chris) Willey, Sami (Tony) Komins, Mitch Hausmann, Carissa (Michael) Perry, Jackson VanHaitsma, Grace VanHaitsma, Corynn Rottman, Annaliese Rottman, Madelynn Rottman, Katelynn Rottman, and Benjamin Rottman, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.  Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore and brothers-in-law, Robert and Fritz Rottman and sister-in-law, Wilma Rottman.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 13 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Christian Reformed Church, 100 Buckley SE, Grand Rapids, MI with Rev. Jack Kooreman officiating.  Visitation will also be held at Grace Church on Sunday evening from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and on Monday before the service from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Christian Reformed church food ministry or to the Theodore A. Rottman Scholarship for Social Justice at Calvin College. “Ere we reach the shining river, lay we every burden down.  Grace our spirits will deliver, and provide a robe and crown.”