Mary Ebbers

Mary J. Ebbers, 85, of Cedar Grove, went into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, June 8, 2023.

Mary was born at home on November 15, 1937, in Cedar Grove, the youngest of four children until a baby brother, Dennis came along to make five children born to Orville and Grace (Schreurs) Soerens.

Mary was a 1955 graduate of Cedar Grove High School. On November 15, 1956, Mary’s 19^th birthday, she married Wayne Ebbers. Wayne preceded Mary in death on June 3^rd of 2020.  

Mary was a hard worker. First having a job as a telephone switchboard operator. Then for 32 years, she drove school bus for the Cedar Grove School District-daily making a positive impact on the lives of many children and then even to those children’s children. She brought joy to many lives over those three decades.

Her pride and joy was her family- making a special home for her four boys, running to 4-H events and watching many years of athletics.

She was a lifelong member of the First Reformed Church of Cedar Grove where she taught Sunday School, was a member of Ladies Circle, and served with the youth group.

Mary’s fondest life memories include; the family tradition of decorating Christmas cookies, family vacations up north, winter Florida vacations, family gatherings with her siblings, couple’s vacations with her sister, Shirley and her husband, family birthday parties, and attending sporting events of her sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mary was a very hands-on grandma and enjoyed interacting with her grandchildren- playing games and doing crafts. She left a huge impact of unconditional love and fond memories to her 15 grandchildren.

These past few days, she just kept telling us children about how much she loved us all and how thankful for us, “being good kids”. We told her, she was the important part and the originator of creating good kids.

We are going to miss her hugs, kisses, and her involvement in our lives, but we are thankful she is released from this earthly body and now is enjoying her heavenly body.

FAMILY: like branches on a tree. We all grow in different directions. Yet, our roots remain as one.

Mary is survived by  four sons, Joel (Kaye) Ebbers, James (Vicki) Ebbers, Jere (Jody) Ebbers and Jack (Lisa) Ebbers; fifteen grandchildren, Traci (Dan) Hopeman, Jodi (Jason) Jones, Tami (Jason) Jacoby, Courtney (Trevor) Peterson, Dana, Bradley, Leah (James) Pitzl, Adam, Skyler, Kaslin, Brayden, Trey, Ryan, Kyle, and Brett Ebbers; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Joyce (Harry) VanStelle and Shirley Wieberdink; brothers, Elwood “Woody” (LaVerne) Soerens, and Dennis (Marcia) Soerens; and sisters-in-law, Nancy DeMaster, RuthAnn Ebbers. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Wayne Ebbers; and brothers-in-law, Don Ebbers, Lee DeMaster and Wayne Wieberdink.

A Funeral Service to honor Mary’s life will take place at First Reformed Church of Cedar Grove at 11 am on Friday, June 16, 2023, with Rev. Brad Bradford officiating. A visitation will take place on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg from 4pm to 7 pm and again on Friday at First Reformed Church of Cedar Grove from 9:30am until the time of service at 11 am. Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made in Mary’s name.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Sharon S. Richardson for their kind and compassionate care of Mary.

The Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg is caring for the family. Please visit www.wenigfh.com for online condolence and more details.