Ellen A. Tubergen's Obituary
Ellen A. Tubergen, age 87, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2026 at The Poppen Residence of Harbor Hospice. She was born March 4, 1939 in Hesperia, MI to Arthur and Marion (Mahan) Nixon. She grew up in Hesperia and moved early in her married life to North Muskegon. Ellen married Donald A. Tubergen on September 6, 1958 and they were married for 63 years. As an active and longtime member of the Community United Methodist Church, Ellen began as a preschool teacher and then worked as the Church Secretary for 30 years. She was a member of the Women’s Group and helped organize the Summer Ice Cream Socials in Walker Park. She was involved with “The 39’ers” which participated in church mission trips and work camps around the country and in Africa. She was a favorite Sunday School Teacher and Youth Group leader for many years. She retired in 2006. Outside of the church, she was a den mother for the Girl Scouts for many years. She loved birds; her favorite being owls and cardinals. She was an avid gardener and especially loved her rose bushes. She also collected lighthouses. Ellen loved spending time with her grandkids and taking trips with them – especially to Tybee Island, GA. She also loved big family get-togethers, particularly for holidays when she would decorate for just about every occasion. Her legacy will live on in her children and grandchildren. Survivors include her 2 daughters, Polly (William) Zahrt, Susan (Bill) Oesterle; 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; and 3 sisters, Phyllis (DeMint) Honore, Alice Butterfield, and Ruth Wilson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Tubergen in 2022; her daughter, Sally Newville in 2020; her parents, Arthur and Marion Nixon; and her brother, Samuel Nixon. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:30 Saturday, May 9. 2026 at Community United Methodist Church, 1614 Ruddiman Drive, North Muskegon, MI 49445, with Rev. Robert Blanchard and Rev. Glenn Wagner officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will take place in the Memory Garden of Community United Methodist Church. Memorial Contributions may be directed to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (https://www.michaeljfox.org) or to Community United Methodist Church. Arrangements handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey Street, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Sign the online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com
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