Clara (Edema) Alkema

Clara (Edema) Alkema of Hickory Corners, MI

Clara, age 88, died peacefully Friday morning, March 18, 2016 at the Boschway Adult Foster Care Home, Battle Creek, MI, surrounded by her loving family.

Clara, the daughter of August and Rena (Potter) Edema, was born in Grand Rapids, MI on November 27, 1927 and moved to this area in 1967. She was a dedicated wife and mother throughout her life as witnessed by her cooking, canning and mending skills. Clara was an avid embroiderer doing many items for family and friends. She was also known to do "Day Care" for her grandchildren, so their parents could work outside the home and she continued this practice for many years as they were her pride and joy! Clara was a member of the Gull Lake Bible Church of Hickory Corners, MI.

Clara was united in marriage to Louis John "Louie" Alkema in Grand Rapids on August 4, 1950 and he sadly preceded her in death on May 12, 2014. Surviving is her daughter, Carla S. (Brian) Verbrugge of Kalamazoo, MI; four sons, Robert L. (Susan) Alkema and Daniel J. Alkema, both of Hickory Corners, Paul A. (Melanie) Alkema of Venice, FL and Donald A. (Victoria) Alkema of Caledonia, MI; fifteen grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; her sister, Betty (Lyman) Rienks of Kentwood, MI and a brother-in-law, John (Barbara) Alkema of Grand Rapids. Clara was also preceded in death by her parents.

The Funeral Service to celebrate Clara's life will be held on Thursday, March 24th at 11:00 a.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue, (M-89) with the Rev. Gary T. Cantrell, Pastor of the Gull Lake Bible Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Prairie Home Cemetery, Richland. Family and friends will continue Clara's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon at the Gull Lake Bible Church, 1491 Midland Drive, Hickory Corners, MI 49060, immediately following the committal. Clara's family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 23rd from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Clara's honor may be directed to the Gull Lake Bible Church or the Alzheimer's Association, 350 E. Michigan Avenue, Suite # 20, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Clara may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com