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Nancy Boven

February 13, 1948 - June 4, 2022
Mattawan, MI

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Service

Friday, June 10, 2022
11:00 AM EDT
First Presbyterian Church
120 Pine St
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-3111

A reception will follow.

Map

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
(800) 805-5856
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
Driving Directions
Web Site

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Caring and loving, Nancy Boven lived her life selflessly giving to others in need. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she savored the time she spent with her growing family over the years. Nancy enjoyed many special memories with her loved ones camping, fishing, gardening, celebrating holidays, and spending time at the beach. Gone too soon, she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In 1948, John and Ella (Bowersox) Steinman welcomed home their newborn daughter, Nancy, on February 13th in Wyandotte, Michigan. Her childhood was filled with many happy and memorable moments. Growing up, Nancy lived a carefree childhood. She enjoyed fishing and camping with her family and spending any amount of time on or near the water and being outdoors. Her parents instilled in her a strong foundation of faith that steered her heart in the direction of compassion and grace throughout her adult years. After graduating from Wyandotte High School, Nancy set off for Western Michigan University. Although she loved attending school, she left early to find work.

Not to be forgotten was the meeting of her sweetheart, Rick Boven. He was working as a dispatcher for a local trucking company. As part of her work, she would call in freight pickups and would often get Rick on the other end of the line. The two of them always chatted for a bit until one day she saw a photo of him and was instantly smitten! Their first date was an invitation to join Rick for a home-cooked meal! Although it was only macaroni and cheese, which she ended up cooking for him, the impression of a man in the kitchen was all she needed to know that he was the one for her! They joined in marriage and welcomed five wonderful children into their hearts and home.

As a mother, Nancy was strict yet loving. She chose to stay at home to ensure her children had everything they needed to be successful. When they were young, she took them to church and taught Sunday school. As a family, they regularly attended the First Presbyterian Church in Paw Paw. Nancy taught her kids to be strong, honest, and to trust in the Lord. They enjoyed many years of camping and spending time in the sun. No matter what, her children knew that she would always be there for them. She was proud that she had raised her children with good hearts and the ability to accept all others.

Always up for a challenge, Nancy decided to return to college. She would wake as early as 4 am to complete her own schoolwork before getting her kids off to school after having stayed up late the night before. Strong-willed and determined, she graduated with the highest honors. Nancy was proud to earn her bachelor’s degree in education as she always wanted to become an English teacher. Unfortunately, Nancy experienced her first brain aneurysm shortly after she completed her student teaching which precluded her from pursuing her career any further.

Despite the setback, Nancy was never short of something to occupy her time, and she was still able to accomplish many things while being available for her family. Nancy was a talented artist in oil painting and ceramics. She was also an avid seamstress all the way from basic hemming to creating Halloween costumes, prom and dance dresses, and up to making a very special wedding dress for her youngest daughter. She had a real knack for design and no pattern was too challenging for her! Nancy also enjoyed playing the piano, which she learned from her beloved mom. She loved to celebrate the holidays gathered around the piano sharing special hymns and holiday songs. A music lover, any time she hosted Christmas, she was sure to have her home all decked out and the music keyed up throughout the evening. Cooking and baking gave her great joy including canning what she grew in the garden. She loved sharing her samples with neighbors and friends and always sent some treats home with the grandkids whenever they visited. Nancy loved the sunshine and being outdoors. She loved going to the beach while camping, and she was an avid gardener with both her vegetable and flower gardens. All in all, her favorite place was anywhere with her family.

Sixteen years ago, Nancy experienced a second more challenging brain aneurysm. Although it created a new set of limitations, her spirit remained strong, and she continued to participate in her grandkid’s lives including camping, attending their events, graduations, weddings, recitals, and programs. A genuine person to know and to love, Nancy modeled unconditional acceptance toward others and was an example of treating everyone with kindness. Her 50+ year love story with her husband, Rick, serves as a model for those around her. A firm believer in the support of faith and family, she was grateful that her family relied on their Christian upbringing during tough times or life challenges. Blessed to have her encouragement and support over the years, there is no doubt her endless wisdom and warm presence will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her many special friends and loved ones.

Nancy Boven, age 74, of Mattawan, MI, died unexpectedly on June 4, 2022. Surviving are her husband of 50 years, ­­­­Rick; children: Missie (Robert) Chopp, Annette (Don) Ewert, Rob (Deb) Boven, Tim (Michelle) Boven, and Julie (Tony) Noora; grandchildren: Kristen, Haley, Rob, Jordan, Joshua, Taylor, Anna, Christopher, Paul, Melanie, Alex, Rachel, Jessica, Justin, Luke, Kayla, Chloe, Zach, Skylar, Nolan, Toby, Sam, Jack, and Ellie; great-grandchildren: Addison, Latham, Rowan, Hudson, Aubree, and Madison; brother, Jimmy (Marcia) Steinman; and nephew and niece: Aaron and Jill. Cremation has taken place. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday (JUNE 10) at First Presbyterian Church, 120 Pine St., Paw Paw. A reception will follow. Visit Nancy’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories and photos, and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900.

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