Eleanor Jean Whiteford

Eleanor Jean Whiteford, 77, of Traverse City went to be with her Lord at the home of her daughter, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, October 21, 2014.

Eleanor was born on Saturday, March 27, 1937 to the late Peter and Rose (Reamsma) Vander Ark. in Banks Township, MI. Eleanor attended Ebenezer Christian School until she reached the 8th grade and then attended Ellsworth Public School, graduating in 1955 as the Class Valedictorian. On Friday, May 11, 1956, she married Lawrence H. "Larry" Whiteford in Ellsworth.

Eleanor began working at an early age. First, on the farm and then at VanderArks Grocery and Smalley's Grocery after school and during the summers. She also had worked for Keith Dressel Reality in East Jordan, Montgomery Ward Credit Office in Sault Ste. Marie and the East Jordan Co-op. In 1966, she and Larry moved to Traverse City where she had worked for R. L. Polk for a few months and then as the secretary of Faith Reformed Church for 10 years. Eleanor then became the manager of Kim's Hallmark Korner for 18 years until her retirement. A member of Faith Reformed Church since 1966, she was very active in various ministries of the church. She had also been an active member of the Sabin PTA when her children were in school.

Following retirement, she and Larry enjoyed many winters in Florida and she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband Larry; her son Gregory of Traverse City; her daughter, Sandra (James) Rautio of Traverse City; her grandchildren, Amy Jean, Matthew James, Layla Rose and Alyssa Grace and her sister Nanette Wertman of East Jordan. Eleanor is also survived by two sisters in law, Lyndel VanderArk of Ellsworth and Judy VanderArk of Charlevoix and many nieces and nephews She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Keith and Peter VanderArk and a brother in law Ed Wertman.

Visitation for Eleanor will take place from 4 until 8 p.m. Friday, October 24 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 25 at Faith Reformed Church with visitation beginning at the church at 10 a.m. Randy Burgess will officiate. Burial will be in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions in Eleanor's name may be directed to Faith Reformed Church Youth Programs.

Please share your favorite memory of Eleanor with her family by way of her online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

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