Beth Brown

Beth Ellen Brown was a tender hearted woman who was content in living a simple life. A friend to many, she never said a bad word about anyone. She upheld her family and many friends in prayer as a diligent and faithful prayer warrior, always keeping her faith close to her heart. For Beth, caring and giving came naturally, and she quite often placed the needs of others before herself. Beth’s greatest desire was to be a good wife and mother. A good and faithful servant, she was indeed a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, daughter and dear friend to all.

As a blessing in the lives of her parents, Richard and Irene (Ritsema) Natte, Beth was born on October 25, 1953. The third of seven children in the Natte household, Beth grew up with her siblings Richard, Gary, Bonnie, Steven, David and Janice. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Beth grew up with a strong Dutch heritage. Her family lived at 911 Courtney NW where her mother stayed home as a homemaker. Her father, a carpenter by trade, provided for his large family while enabling his children to attend West Side Christian School and later Central Christian High School.

Strong Christian values were evident in the Natte home. From a young age, Beth learned the importance of faith in the example set by her parents and through her church home, West Leonard Christian Reformed Church. A close family, memorable times were shared together like going on picnics, swimming at the lake and summer vacations spent at Silver Lake. She always enjoyed family time together around the campfire in the evenings. From pop, rock to Christian, Beth enjoyed all types of music. In her free time, she loved to read, enjoying a variety of books from mysteries to romance novels. A devoted reader of her bible, it laid a solid foundation for Beth that she lived by her whole life through.

Life for Beth took an exciting turn while on a blind date with a young man named Gerald Brown. With a special connection between them, they began dating steadily. They were joined in marriage on May 23, 1980 at West Leonard Christian Reformed Church. After spending their honeymoon in Northern Michigan, Beth and Gerald lived in several apartments before buying their first home on Coit Avenue NW. It was in this home where Beth raised her daughter, Naomi, born in 1985. A dedicated and attentive mother, Beth stayed home to lovingly care for and raise Naomi. Beth loved animals and had many beloved pets over the years including her dogs Scruffy and Shasta, and a cat named Lucky. Beth attended church and was faithful in praying for the needs of her family and many friends. With her caring and giving heart, Beth used her knitting talents to make gifts for others. She had various jobs in her life, working at Ludwig Donuts, the Bissell Company and as a bus driver for Grand Rapids Christian Schools and Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Even as health issues overcame Beth, she held steadfast in her faith. She developed breast cancer 1989, and after much chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, she recovered. When the cancer reappeared in 2005, she underwent additional chemotherapy and radiation. Again experiencing a full recovery, Beth was sure in her faith, and had the inner strength to “leave it in the Lord’s hands”. About a month ago, Beth developed pneumonia and was hospitalized. Returning home, her health didn't improve after three weeks. Returning to St. Mary’s Hospital last Tuesday, Beth’s health quickly diminished and she was placed on life support by the end of the day. It soon became apparent that little could be done, and Beth’s family kept a prayerful vigil by her side. Sadly, at the age of 56, Beth went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, April 7, 2010. Beth lived life simply yet abundantly. A faith filled woman who loved her family dearly, she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Beth was preceded in death by her mother, Irene Natte. She is survived by her husband of 29 years, Gerald Brown; her daughter, Naomi Brown; father, Richard G. (Donna) Natte; brothers and sisters: Richard and Wendy Natte, Gary and Carol Natte, Bonnie Natte, Steven and Cindy Natte, David and Sharon Natte, Janice Natte; many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, step-siblings, nieces, nephews and many friends. A private family burial was held Thursday, April 8, 2010 at Chapel Hill Cemetery. A service to celebrate her life will be announced at a later date. Contributions in her memory may be made to Faith Hospice. To sign her online guest book or to submit a favorite memory or photo of her, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.