Elizabeth “Betty” Joyce (Claerbout) Nyenhuis, 93, of Oostburg, was called home to her Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Pine Haven Drive Campus. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.
Betty was born February 26, 1931, to Oscar and Alice (DeSmidt) Claerbout in Sheboygan County. She attended River Valley School and graduated from Cedar Grove High School. Growing up, Betty was a member of the Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church. As a teenager she was employed at the Sweet Shop in Cedar Grove and the Musebeck Shoe Factory. Later Betty operated the switchboard at Memorial Hospital.
Betty met the love of her life, Curtiss at Camp Calvin when they were juniors in high school. They were united in marriage on March 20, 1952. Their wonderful partnership of Christian marriage lasted 68 years. Both Betty and Curt attended Calvin College. Betty received a teaching degree from Sheboygan County Normal Teacher’s College. She then taught at Oostburg Christian School and later was a substitute teacher at Oostburg Elementary School for many years. Betty spent a lot of time supporting the mission and activities of Oostburg Christian School.
Betty was an active member of Bethel Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Oostburg. She sang in the choir, taught Bible Class and Vacation Bible School. She was a leader and member of the Ruth Society, Faithful Gleaners and Rebekah Society. She also loved serving on the flower and library committees at church.
Both Betty and Curt loved to travel throughout the United States and Europe. Betty was a wonderful seamstress, cook and baker who enjoyed entertaining for family and friends and also cooked for missionary guests of the church. Betty’s passion for reading led her to teach English as a Second Language for several years under the Literacy Council in the Sheboygan area.
Betty and Curt were blessed with five children; Dave (Barbara) Nyenhuis of Oostburg, Paul (Sue) Nyenhuis of Saint Charles, IL, Jill (Don) Ludens of Oostburg, Nancy (Bob) Rohde of Oostburg, Tim (Mary Jo) Nyenhuis of Weston, WI; seven grandchildren, Megan (Paul) Willard, Adam (Mary) Nyenhuis, Gabe Nyenhuis, Dani (Justin) Phillips, Nicholas (Nicole) Ludens, Hope (Michael) Vander Ploeg, Ryan (Taylor) Nyenhuis; twelve great-grandchildren, Maya Willard, Caleb Willard, Jackson Willard, Claire Willard, Samuel Willard, Bennett Willard, Ruth Nyenhuis, Thomas Nyenhuis, Logan Phillips, Colton Phillips, Sadie Phillips, Madelyn Ludens, Eloise Ludens, Mason Vander Ploeg, and Croix Nyenhuis. She is further survived by one sister-in-law, Nancy Claerbout; brothers-in-law, Richard (Janna) Soerens and John Dees; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Betty was proceeded in death by her husband of 68 years, Curtiss. Four sisters, Mary (Richard) Soerens, Irene (Howard) Klug, Hazel (Phil) Vande Wall, Beverly (John) Dees, brother Bill (Nancy) Claerbout, baby brother Oscar Stanley Claerbout, nephew Jim Mills, niece Kim Dees and nephew Greg Richardson.
A private funeral service to celebrate Betty’s life will take place on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 11:00am. A funeral livestream can be viewed by visiting wenig.live/BettyNyenhuis. Graveside Service will be held at Oostburg Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated in Betty’s name to Bethel Orthodox Presbyterian Church and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.
The Nyenhuis family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Pastor Dave Veldhorst, Pastor Chris Allen, Pastor Curtis Payton and members of the Bethel congregation who faithfully visited and sent cards to Betty. They would also like to thank the loving and wonderful nursing staffs at both the Pine Haven Christian Home Giddings and Haven Drive Campuses, and the remarkable staff and Chaplin Kevin from Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for the amazing compassion and care they gave Betty during her last few months. Their dedication is truly appreciated by the family.
The staff of Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting the family. Please visit wenigfh.com for more information.
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