Brunsting, Bette 1935-2017

BRUNSTING, RIKKERS

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/8/2017 at 10:19:53

Bette Brunsting(1935 - 2017)
Bette Brunsting

Pella, Iowa

Bette Brunsting was born on April 9, 1935 on a farm south of Hull, Iowa. In 1956, she graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa and went on to teach high school speech in Waverly, Iowa and Barrington, Illinois. She received her Master's degree from Northwestern University. In 1964, she returned to Central College, first as Dean of Women and then teaching in the communication department for 34 years. She was a demanding, but beloved teacher and mentor. When she taught, Bette's two mottos for her students were "Courage!" and "Go forth to do great things, or do small things greatly." Bette was active in many community groups and a faithful member of Second Reformed Church in Pella, where she was the first woman to hold an ordained office. Bette died on January 6, 2017, at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House. She is survived by one sister, Lucille Noordhoff and her husband, Dr. Samuel Noordhoff of Grand Rapids, Michigan, along with thirteen nieces and nephews, and their families. Bette deeded her body to the University of Iowa College of Medicine. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 28, at 2 p.m. at Second Reformed Church. Memorials may be designated for the Organ Fund of Second Reformed Church.

Source: Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home online obituary-published in Des Moines Register 22 Jan 2017.

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Birth: 
Apr. 9, 1935
Sioux County
Iowa, USA
Death: 
Jan. 6, 2017
Pella
Marion County
Iowa, USA

Bette Brunsting was born on April 9, 1935 on a farm south of Hull, Iowa, to Albert and Jeannette Brunsting, the youngest of four daughters. She was baptized, raised in, and professed her faith at the First Reformed Church of Hull.

In 1956, she graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa and went on to teach high school speech in Waverly, Iowa and Barrington, Illinois. She received her Master's degree from Northwestern University. In 1964, she returned to Central College, first as Dean of Women and then teaching in the communication department for 34 years. She was a demanding, but beloved teacher and mentor. Bette was active in many community groups and a faithful member of Second Reformed Church in Pella, where she was the
woman to hold ordained office.

Bette died on January 6, 2017 at the Hospice Comfort House in Pella. She is survived by one sister, Lucille Noordhoff and her husband, Dr. Samuel Noordhoff of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and thirteen nieces and nephews, and their families.

When she taught, Bette's two mottos for her students were Courage! and Go forth to do great things, or do small things greatly.

[Transcribed from funeral brochure obtained at 28 Jan 2017 funeral at Second Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa.]
 
 
Family links: 
 Parents:
  Albert H. Brunsting (1897 - 1971)
  Jeanette Rikkers Brunsting (1902 - 1981)
 
 Sibling:
  Lynn Brunsting Kuyk (1925 - 2011)*
  Bette Lou Brunsting (1935 - 2017)
 
*Calculated relationship
 
Burial:
Body donated to medical science
Specifically: ashes will be scattered in Pella
 
Created by: Al Hibbard
Record added: Jan 09, 2017
Find A Grave Memorial# 175122460