Ella Horjus

Ella Mae Horjus, age 97, was called by her Savior to her heavenly home on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

Ella was born on a farm near the town of Hospers in northwest Iowa on December 26, 1928, to Gerrit and Agnes (Kreykes) Van Surksum.

After high school, Ella left the farming life and moved to Grand Rapids to be closer to her older sister Carrie and her family. Ella lived with several of her friends from Iowa and worked for Michigan Bell Telephone Co. in an administrative position in the downtown Grand Rapids office.

Ella attended Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church where she met her husband of 63 years, Martin W. Horjus, at young peoples’ meetings. They were married in 1952. Ella assisted Martin in his various sales businesses as office manager, working from home while raising their family. She enjoyed doing the “books” and other administrative tasks associated with a small business.

Ella and Martin were active, participating in the life of their church, family gatherings, and road trips. Depending on the season, you would find Ella and Martin camping, hiking, bicycling, canoeing and then sailing, or cross-country skiing. Ella and Martin were blessed with four boys, raising them in Christian values and faith in Jesus Christ. She kept meticulous family records and wrote in a daily journal for most of her life.

Over the years, Ella volunteered for school functions, worked at the election polls, and served on church service projects. Ella and Martin’s retirement years included trips and cruises throughout the world. Their most satisfying trip was a guided tour of the Holy Land which enhanced their understanding of the Bible.

Ella enjoyed playing the piano, Christian hymns, reading, doing crossword puzzles and word games. She loved to cross-stitch and gifted each grandchild with a unique cross-stitched Christmas stocking. Many evenings she would watch the news or Detroit Tigers baseball games. Ella was an avid letter writer and corresponded weekly with her long-distance family.

Ella’s declining health required her to spend the last 2 years of her life at Edison Christian Health Center. Ella and the family appreciated the loving care and attention she received from the staff.

Ella was preceded in death by her parents Gerrit & Agnes Van Surksum, parent-in-laws Walter & Cornelia Horjus; husband, Martin W. in 2015; sister Carrie & Richard Venema; brother John & Lavonne Van Surksum, brother William J. Van Surksum who died as a child; brother William F. & Marge Van Surksum; and brother-in-law Marvin Vink. Brother-in-law William Horjus; sister-in-law Evelyn & Charles (Pat) Pittson; and brother-in-law Millard Daves.

Ella is survived by her children. Philip & Jean Horjus; Thomas Horjus; James & Martha Horjus; Martin J. & Maria Horjus. Grandchildren: Benjamin Horjus, Jordan & Bethany Whiteley, Walter Horjus, Esther Horjus, Emily & Tyler Ranfeld, Megan (Horjus) Alderman, Monica (Horjus) Bogard, Garrett Horjus, and Lydia & Brendan Harwood. Great Grandchildren: Milen, James, and Katherine Whiteley, and Milo Ranfeld. Sister Wilma Vink; sister-in-law Nella Daves; brother-in-law Kenneth & Flora Horjus.

Relatives and friends may visit Ella’s family on Friday, September 18 at 10:00 AM at Seventh Reformed Church, 950 Leonard St. NW. The time of visitation will be followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a memorial gift to the Carrie Van Surksum Venema Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Mid-America Reformed Seminary (229 Seminary Dr., Dyer IN 46311) or Edison Christian Foundation (1000 Edison Ave NW, Grand Rapids MI 49504).

Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to leave a memory or sign Ella's guest book.