Elinore (Ruth) Hansen

Elinore Ruth Hansen was one of those special people who appreciate the many things that make life so valuable – family, friends and faith. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Elinore lived a full and happy life knowing that nothing was more important than the love of family.

The year was 1930 and America was in peril. The gilded age of the 1920s had melted away into a sour oppressive era known as the Great Depression. The fires of the Industrial Revolution had consumed all of their fuel and merely finding food to eat challenged many Americans. It was during this difficult time that Thomas and Tracy (Mooi) Smeenge welcomed the birth of their only daughter, Elinore Ruth, on March 19, 1930, in their home on 17th Street in Holland, Michigan.

Elinore, along with her three brothers: Harold (who died during World War II), Arthur and Roger, grew up in the Holland area, where their parents owned “Smeenge Groceries” on 10th Street. Although a smart girl, Elinore did not like school, a trait that in later years two of her daughters would also exhibit. She attended school until the tenth grade, then left to work full time at Racine Shoe Company.

As fate would have it, Elinore met her one true love while working at Racine Shoe Company. Richard Hansen was a tall, dark and handsome young man, whose friendly, outgoing personality complemented Elinore’s shy, quiet nature. The two began dating and really enjoyed each other’s company. Over the next year, their love for each other blossomed and they were happily married on July 1, 1949, at her parents’ home, with a beautiful reception in the backyard. The newlyweds honeymooned in Wisconsin with her in-laws and had a pretty good time.

After marrying, Richard didn’t want Elinore to work anymore, but instead stay home to raise their three beautiful daughters, Carol Ann, Linda Diane and Peggy Sue. Her daughters became the focus of her life and she always put their needs before her own. Elinore’s unconditional love and selflessness reverberates through the hearts of her daughters and son-in-laws to this day. Aside from being a devoted mother, she was also a military wife. Richard was a career military man, serving in the National Guard for 38 years. Therefore, throughout the years, Elinore pressed countless uniforms and packed for many summers at Camp Grayling for his military exercises. She and Richard had a wonderful relationship and loved to spend time together. They enjoyed many summers on Mackinaw Island and at Camp Grayling; however, Elinore’s favorite memory with friends was there trip to Las Vegas. The couple rekindled their love for each other when they heard their song “Thirdman Theme” from the 1940s and 50s. Tragically, in 1985, Elinore suffered a great loss when Richard died a day after signing his military retirement.

The Hansen home was a place of great pride for Elinore. They built this home themselves, and she even lost her shoes while putting in the lawn, so being at home always made her the happiest. Every Sunday was “tea time” at her brothers' home with the family, which she treasured. As a doting grandmother, Elinore simply adored her six grandchildren and happily cared for them whenever she could. She had a special opportunity to experience the last grandchild's birth. She treasured each of there births as yet another incredible blessing in her life.

Elinore will forever be remembered for her generosity of spirit. Besides her family, she gave of her time and talent with as a volunteer at the American Red Cross in Fort Custer. She had the opportunity through this program to serve lunch to under privileged children, which touched her heart so deeply and she cherished it as one of her very special moments in life with her daughter Carol. Elinore also attended the Bethel Reformed Church in Holland, but later became a member at Grace Community Church. In her leisure time, she enjoyed reading or watching Soap Operas. She absolutely loved birds and beautiful roses and laughing until she just couldn’t stop. Elinore enjoyed a variety of music, including Spanish music, square dancing and polkas. In fact, she used to polka with her father-in-law on many occasions. When it came to eating, Elinore enjoyed Mexican dishes, eating swiss steak at Beechwood Inn.

Elinore Hansen lived, loved and treasured every precious day she had with her husband, daughters and grandchildren. Always thinking of others before herself, she was both blessed by and a blessing to those she loved. She will be deeply missed.

Elinore Ruth Hansen, 75 of Holland, MI, died on Tuesday, April 19, 2005, at her home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Hansen, and also a brother, Harold Smeenge, killed in WWII in 1944. Surviving are her children: Carol Ann and Lynn Petre of Holland, Linda Diane and Jeff Rietman of Holland, Peggy Sue and Rick Berens of Holland; 6 grandchildren; brothers: Arthur Smeenge of Holland, Roger and Mary Ellen Smeenge of Holland; brother-in-law; Kenneth and Geneva Hansen of Holland; and several nieces, nephews, aunt and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 23, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Community Church, 945 136th Street, with the Revs. Ted Lindman officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, April 22, from 6-9 p.m. at the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 295 Douglas Avenue, in Holland. Burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery. Please visit Ruth’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society.