Winona J. Beukema's Obituary
Big Rapids- Winona J. Beukema, 91, of Norwich Township, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, December 10, 2016, at her residence surrounded by her loved ones. She was born August 4, 1925, in Big Rapids, the daughter of John and Reva (Sawyer) Westover, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1943. Winona then attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, where she met her husband Robert, and they were married on August 21, 1948. For many years, Winona and Bob served as missionaries in Panama and Ecuador with World Radio Missionary Fellowship (currently Reach Beyond) until retirement. They lived in many places, but Big Rapids was always home. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Big Rapids, and also Wealthy Park Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. Winona felt being a good steward of the land was a gift to God, so she loved to work outside in the woods, her yard and garden. Her husband Robert preceded Winona in death in 2001. She is survived by two sons, Ronald (Marj) of Westminster, MD, Steven (Karen) of Knoxville, TN; three daughters, Sue Ann (William) Walta of Big Rapids, Anita (Warren) Egan of Lawrenceville, GA, Carolyn (Chris) Warnky of Westerville, OH; 12 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; one sister, Mary McGuire of Holland; three brothers, Linn Westover of Evansville, IN, Jim Westover and Dave (Marge) Westover, all of Big Rapids; and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by a brother John, a sister Beverly, and her sister-in-law Anna Pearl Westover, who also passed away on Saturday. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at the First Baptist Church in Big Rapids, with her brother, Pastor Dave Westover, officiating. Burial will be in the Hungerford Cemetery in Norwich Township. Winona's family will greet friends from 4-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, and after 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. Memorial contributions in Winona's name may be made for the First Baptist Church, or Reach Beyond, with envelopes available at the funeral home.
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