Carolyn Eldean (Doornbos) Gras, 81 of Zeeland, went home to be with her Saviour on Wednesday, July 1, 2020.
Carolyn was born in Churchill, Montana, on December 15, 1938, to Heino and Carrie Doornbos. After graduating Gallatin County high school in Bozeman, Montana, she attended nursing school in Minneapolis. Carolyn returned to Churchill where she met and began a courtship with William (Bill) Gras. They eventually married in December of 1960, and spent a year and a half living in Turkey while working for the government. Then they moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where they started a family while Bill completed medical school. In 1980, they relocated to Zeeland, Michigan, where Bill and Carolyn opened up a small medical clinic, and raised their 4 children.
Carolyn will fondly be remembered for living life to the fullest – whether riding horses, sledding, or having snowball and water fights with the family – and her sarcasm, which was as fiery as her red hair. Carolyn’s house, kitchen and heart were always open to neighbors and friends, where there was plenty of love and laughter, and you never left hungry. Carolyn’s love for others stemmed from her love of Jesus, and she would often shop for those less fortunate.
Carolyn was proceeded in death by her parents, 5 brothers and one brother-in-law.
Carolyn is survived by her husband of 59 years, Dr. William Gras, their children: Mark Gras of Grand Rapids, Lynn Gras and fiancé Brad Montagne, Karin and David Carvalho of Zeeland, Sarah and Dave Munson of Gilbert, Arizona; three grandchildren: Anna and Ella Carvalho and Mapi Munson; siblings: Genevieve Medendorp, Alvin and Donna Doornbos, and Elva and Jim Schaper; in-laws: Evelyn and Bob Myaard, Andy and Annie Gras, Norma and Chuck Monsma, Marie Williams, Esther Mains, Joanne Gras, and John and Von Gras; and many extended family.
A family celebration of Carolyn’s life will take place in Montana at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Mercy Ships, P.O. Box 1930, Lindale, TX, 75771.
Arrangements by Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland, MI 49464.
