Evelyn L. Kolbe, age 75 of Hesperia, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2016 at her home. Evelyn was born on August 20, 1941 in Pontiac, Michigan to Walter and Ida (Dyer) Ballagh and moved from Oakland County to Hesperia over 45 years ago. Evelyn married Edward Kolbe Jr. on December 5, 1981 in Hesperia. Evelyn had been a LPN and later became a consultant for CPA Management for physician's office in Grand Rapids for many years and has served as a consultant for Michigan counties on various occasions. Evelyn had served as an Oceana County Commissioner for 16 years and was the first woman to serve as an Oceana County Commissioner as well as the first woman to serve on the Hesperia School Board.

Evelyn was a longtime Democrat and was active in the Democratic Party on a local, state and national level including but not limited to the following – vice chair of Oceana County Commission, chairperson of personnel committee, vice-chair of law and safety committee, vice chair of the District 10 Health Department Board, secretary of the West Michigan Community Mental Health Board, vice chair of the West Michigan Shoreline Regional County Alliance, previous chair of the West Central Michigan County Alliance, Director of the Michigan Counties Workers Compensation Fund Board, finance chair of the Michigan Association of Counties Service Corporation, Past President of the Michigan Association of Counties, Agriculture and Tourism Chairperson, member of the Health and Human Services Committee, National Association of Counties Board of Directors, Michigan Department of Community Health Accreditation Commission Member, Liaison to the Oceana County Road Commission, had been active in lobbying in Lansing and Washington, D.C. for issues effecting county services. Evelyn enjoyed traveling throughout the world, gaming, had a strong faith and was often heard saying "God has a plan and I am in it". She also attended the Reeman Christian Reformed Church.

Evelyn is survived by her husband, Ed of Hesperia; her children, Scott (Barb) Carter; Terry Carter; Kelly (Martin) Johnson; Kenneth (Kim) Kolbe; Kaye (Cindy Kulas) Kolbe; Kelly (Wendy) Kolbe; her grandchildren, Melissa Carter, Michael Carter, Dustin Carter, Jason (Nichole) Carter, Kimm Walker, Jennifer Delap, Hailey Johnson; Brock Johnson, Kyler Kolbe, Keaton Kolbe, Danielle Harrington, Michael Burnside, Edward Kolbe; 6 great grandchildren; her sisters, Millie (Bruce) Benson of Sterling Heights; Norma (Ron) Ludy of Oxford. She was preceded in death by her brother, David Ballagh.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at the Reeman Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Les VanDyke presiding with interment in the West Hesperia Cemetery. Friends may consider memorial contributions to the Community Foundation of Oceana County for the Ed and Evelyn Kolbe Fund, checks payable to Community Foundation of Oceana County.

Visitation

Tuesday, November 22, 2016 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Fremont Chapel 7193 W 48th Street Fremont, Michigan 49412

Wednesday, November 23, 2016 1:00 PM

Reeman Christian Reformed Church 6121 S Fitzgerald Ave Fremont, MI 49412