Elsie Betty Kok

Elsie Betty Kok, 84, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, passed away peacefully into heaven on Jan. 9, 2014, in Santa Rosa. She was born on Dec. 23, 1929, in Holland, Minn., to Jacob and Elsie Paauw, one of seven children.

Elsie married John H Kok Jr. on Sept. 1, 1950, in Vancouver B.C. They settled in Colton and together they raised three children.

John and Elsie relocated to Sonoma in 1971. ?John and Elsie spent most their lives working side-by-side. In Southern California, they owned and operated Colton Funeral Chapel. While in Sonoma they owned and operated Western Auto and later acquired Franklin Furniture.

Dedicated to her family, one of Elsie proudest achievements was the accomplishments of her three children. She had a keen sense of humor and was an avid sports fan. One of her greatest joys was watching her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.

Elsie was a devoted Christian. She attended Grace Reform Church and St. Andrew Presbyterian Church while living in Sonoma. She was active in her church and many civic activities throughout her life. Her later years were spent in Lincoln to be closer to her son and his family.

Elsie was predeceased by John, her husband of 62 years and is survived by her three children and their spouses, Esther and Curt Frolich, Beverly and Dean Davis and John and Deborah Kok; her seven grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

She will be interned with her beloved John at Napa Valley Memorial Park. A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014.