Georgiana Mae Dephouse

Georgiana was a kind, caring, compassionate woman, a woman who took great pride and joy at teaching, at learning, and at loving. She taught school for many years, but she never truly stopped teaching. Georgiana taught us all so much, with her words, with her heart, and most of all, with her example.

Georgiana Mae was born on a chilly Monday on November 2, 1908, the third of four children born to Herman and Gertrude (Alofs) Fredricks in Holland. Her father worked for a Holland lumber company, while her mother stayed home to raise their children. When Georgiana was just seven years old, her father packed up the Fredricks family and moved up the road to Muskegon, where he had purchased a lumber company, renaming it the Fredricks Lumber Company.

Together with her sister Sarah and brothers Warren and Maurice, Georgia enjoyed a fruitful childhood in the bustling port city of Muskegon, which during those days was enjoying an economic boom even in the throes of World War I. The Ford Motor Company had unveiled its first Model T automobile the year she was born, transforming America both socially and economically. Muskegon was no different, itself undergoing a transformation from the "Lumber Queen of the World," as it was known in the late 19th Century, to a more industrialized city. Yet the family's Fredricks Lumber Company still enjoyed success in an area still very much ingrained in the lumber business.

Georgia attended Muskegon Christian Schools until high school, graduating from Muskegon Public High School in 1926. With a bright mind and a natural aptitude for academics, Georgia continued her schooling at Hope College, and earned her Bachelor's degree in French from the esteemed school in 1930. Fresh from college, Georgia returned to her home in Muskegon and worked in the family business.

But Georgia would soon have more than a love of learning in her life. Soon she met a man named Arthur Dephouse, who attended the Bethany Christian Reformed Church with her. The two fell in love, and were married September 7, 1933, on a warm Thursday afternoon at her parents' home in Muskegon.

The happy couple enjoyed a long and fruitful marriage, and was blessed with two children, son Don and daughter Sally, filling their lives with more love and laughter. Georgia taught her children so much, with her words, her heart, and her example. Through her own strength of character, kindness and compassion, she created a nurturing, supportive home, helping them become successful in their own rights today.

It was not until later that she would put her education to work by teaching in the Muskegon Public School system, where she taught fifth grade and remained for twenty years. She found the job extremely rewarding, helping shape young minds, helping instill in her students the same love of learning she possessed in abundance.

Georgia lived such a full and successful life, as well. She loved people, and loved playing bridge with her group of friends. She enjoyed having her bridge club over for lunch, where they would knit, talk, laugh, and even play a little bridge.

Georgia also understood the importance and enjoyment she received from giving back to her community, and did so often. She was involved in the Hackley Circle with Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, as well as her local PEO club (a worldwide philanthropic educational organization). She was also involved with Ladies Aid at the Bethany Christian Reformed Church.

And Georgia loved to spend time with her beloved Art. They loved to travel together, and enjoyed traveling in Europe (she handled the French, of course). In the wintertime, the couple would travel down to Venice, Florida, to avoid Michigan's inclement weather. But it didn't matter where they were or what they did, they just enjoyed each other. They even enjoyed spending quiet evenings together, reading the newspaper, which she loved to do so much.

Sadly, Art died in 1985, yet Georgia persevered. She possessed an impressive inner strength and self-discipline rooted in her deep faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was an inspiration to others drawing many people to her. Georgia was a kind, caring and understanding woman, a woman who kept an open mind rather than being judgmental. A few years after Art's death, Georgia moved into Freedom Village in Holland in 1991, yet remained active, becoming a member of Christ Memorial Church in Holland.

Georgia died Tuesday, December 27, at Freedom Village, after a full life, a life full of love, of learning, and especially teaching. She taught us all so much, with her words, her kindness, and most of all, her example. Today her example - and her memory -live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew her.

Georgiana Mae (Fredricks) Dephouse, age 97, of Holland, formerly of Muskegon, passed away on Tuesday December 27, 2005 at the Inn at Freedom Village.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Dephouse in 1985.

She is survived by her children, Dr. Don and Cynthia Dephouse of Holland and Sally and Bob Walters of Grand Rapids; five grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m, at the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, Downtown Chapel, 29 East 9th Street, with Rev. Robert Nykamp officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Burial will take place at Restlawn Cemetery in Muskegon.

Memorial Contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland or Hope College.

Arrangements by Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, Inc., Downtown Chapel, www.lifestorynet.com.