Patricia Louise Westerhof (Ekleberry)

Of Jackson, Michigan, formerly of Grand Haven, Michigan, passed away on October 24, 2024 at the age of 89 years.  She is survived by her children Mary Louise Pope (Ken), John  Ekleberry (Ann) and Jane Pontious (Joe).  13 grandchildren: Scott Pope (Ryanne), Greg Pope (Jennifer), Jennifer Pope (Scott Sanders), Lauren Hyder (Drew), James Ekleberry (Triston), Stephanie Kennedy (Patrick), Jonathon Ekleberry, Samantha Ekleberry, Ellery Ekleberry, Emily Ekleberry, Brooke Veenstra (Drew), Keagan Pieri (Zach), and Courtney Saylor (Trent) and 10 1/2 great grandchildren.  Sibling William C McClelland (Asa), sister-in-law, Ruth Ekleberry, and daughter-in-law, Kristy Ekleberry.

She was preceded in death by James Wellington Ekleberry, Elmer Westerhof, Richard Ekleberry and Jack Ekleberry.

Pat was born in Cannonsburg Pennsylvania on July 16, 1935 to William N McClelland and Mary Elizabeth (Rankin) McClelland.  Her family moved around the states throughout her childhood until 6th grade when they settled in Jackson Mi. She was a good student who loved the library, so moving was not a problem for her grades, although she missed her friends she had made as she was a very social gal!  She attended Jackson High School and was very involved in numerous club sports and Foedus. In high school she started dating James Ekleberry whom she later married in 1956.  Pat went on to graduate from the University of Michigan obtaining her Physical Education Degree.  She taught school for a few years before she had 4 children who were the light of her life. Pat cherished her role as a stay-at-home mom.  After 23 yrs of marriage she suddenly lost Jim.  In 1989, after 10 yrs of being alone (which she hated), she met the Dutchman, Tug Westerhof. They married in Las Vegas and spent the next 28 years traveling the world, golfing, playing cards, playing bridge, bird watching and enjoying pontoon boat rides in Grand Haven, MI. Pat was very competitive, especially when it came to cards, bowling, ping pong…pretty much everything!  Dancing, especially to the Big Band songs, as well as letter writing and nature watching were some of her favorite pastimes.

Pat's greatest joy in life was visitors and the time spent with family.  She will be greatly missed by all.

According to her wishes, Pat has been cremated.  The family will receive friends at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 10:00 to 12:00 Noon followed by a Prayer Service at 12:00 Noon with Reverend David Schell officiating.

In Lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Careline Hospice.