Eleanor R. Moes

Eleanor Rose Moes of Holland, MI passed away peacefully on January 3, 2023.

Born on July 20, 1930 to Charles and Jeannette Klungle, Eleanor was the youngest of 10 children. She lived all of her life in Holland, MI, graduating from Holland High School in 1948. On December 9, 1949, she married George Moes. She and George would go on to spend 73 years together in marriage, raising four children: Tom, Craig, Jane and Jeff. Their family, deeply rooted in faith, were faithful members of Fourth Reformed Church, and later Christ Memorial.

There were many things she loved in life: golf, cooking, reading a good book, wintering in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida, playing a game of cards with friends. But there was one thing she loved most of all: family.

It was what she was best at. Spending many of her years at home, raising her 4 children, she was the epitome of motherly love. And much to her delight, as her children grew and had children of their own, it was clear her heart grew with each one. Always eager for a visit from family, fridge stocked with cherry 7 up, and a glass vase filled to the brim with tootsie rolls, every child, grandchild and great grandchild was greeted with a big hug, her infectious laugh, and her favorite question: “Are ya hungry?” She loved so very well: with service, with grace, with patience, with sacrifice. But, best of all, she loved unconditionally. There was safety in being loved by her. And what a gift that safety was to anyone lucky enough to call her family.

She was never ashamed to downright insist on seeing you. It was like your presence was the greatest gift she had ever been given, and she never wanted it to end. Every eventual exit was met with “You leavin’ already?” and “See you S-O-O-N.”

How much we wish we could return that question to her now. We will see you again soon. How grateful we are for the love she gave us. How blessed we are to know that Jesus is cherishing her presence the very way she always cherished all of ours. To the best mom, grandma, grandma great, and friend- thank you. Thank you for the way you loved us all.

Eleanor is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Nick, Len, Jake, Chuck, Nelson, John, Janet Geertman, Sue Myrick and Ila Schutt. Her in-laws Genevieve Snyder and Gertrude Bleeker VanRhee and her granddaughter Lisa Moes Phillips. She is survived by her children, Tom (Jan) Moes, Craig (Ellen) Moes, Jane (Brian) Borr and Jeff (Beth) Moes, her grandchildren Julie, Ryan, Peter, Betsy, Jon, Abby, Lydia, Ben and Simeon. Great grandchildren Ellery, Megan, Claire, Taylor, Saige, Sawyer, Elena, Calvin, Beckett, Margot, Pippa Rose, Leo, Knox, Naomi, Malcolm, and sister-in-law, Ruth Klungle.

A service will be held to celebrate the full life she lived on Friday, January 6th at Christ Memorial Church Chapel (Entrance D), 595 Graafschap Rd., Holland. The visitation will be from 12:00-1:00 PM, followed by the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will take place at Graafschap Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice of Holland or Holland Hospital School Nurse Program.