Beth Hermine Burrink

Beth Hermine Burrink passed from this life to Heavenly Glory on August 20, 2020.  She lived  to be  83 years old.  Born to Orville and Pearl Ravesloot, Beth grew up loving school.  She especially  excelled in language arts, becoming top-notch at spelling any word you gave her.  She used this skill to become a tenacious Scrabble player.  She was also the Valedictorian of her graduating class.  She eventually used her skills as a secretary for Frederick G. Nymeyer with the Introduction of the Libertarian Press.  During that time she met an immigrant from The Netherlands that caught her eye and soon became Mrs. Beth Burrink.  Beth was always quick to remind people, “My name is Beth, not Elizabeth” with a smile on her face.  She had a style of  humor that was all her own—“If you sat  any closer to me, you’ d be on my other side”.  If she found a situation in which she simply had no answer, she’d always flippantly expound, “Ah, ‘tis what “, which absolutely denoted her as a “Good Dutch Woman”.  Joy filled her heart to the end, always happy with life.  She especially loved the beauty of flowers, noticing their textures and colors.  She could enjoy gardens the whole day through.  Beth had a servant’s heart in everything she did, especially baking for others constantly, making soup for anyone that was ill and then delivering it and sewing baby blankets for charity.  She loved to sing in choir, and particularly enjoyed singing at the Billy Graham Crusades in Chicago with her friends.  Beth enjoyed many years of travel with her beloved husband, Hans, all over the world.  Even though she lived most of her life in South Holland and Crete, Illinois, Holland, Michigan was her home away from home.  For 30 years she enjoyed spending time with Hans going to “the condo”.   They spent endless hours on their boat,  touring the coast of Lake Michigan, riding bikes, going to the Farmer’s Market, attending Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, and enjoying conversation with friends at the pool.  She simply loved each day the Lord Gave her.  Beth was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Johannes Burrink.  She is survived by her children, Brad (Sharon) Burrink, Nancy (Mark) Kleinheksel, Robert (Kathi) Burrink; her brother, Paul (Jean) Ravesloot along with  numerous grand children and great-grand children.  The family is deeply grateful for all the caregivers at Freedom Village, for their love and care for Beth; also to Kindred Hospice, for their wonderful staff who helped in the end.  There will be a private family service on Saturday, August 29, 2020 and burial at Homewood Memorial Gardens - Homewood, IL.  In lieu of flowers and in honor of Beth, contributions may be given to Elim Christian Services .  Arrangements entrusted to Smits Funeral Home. For more information, please call 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com