Obituaries: July 21, 2026
Pamela S. Den Bleyker
April 9, 1955-July 19, 2026
Pamela S. Den Bleyker, age 71, of Holland, died Sunday, July 19, 2026, at her home.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, James Den Bleyker, and her parents.
She was the daughter of Edwin and Natalie Ver Hage and graduated from Zeeland High School. Pam was a proud wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and loved singing in the church choir and volunteering. Pam made those around her feel welcome.
She is survived by her children, Brian (Tina) Den Bleyker, Katie (Ryan) Wurm; five grandchildren, Logan, Gwynevere, Ryleigh, Alex, Troy; one great-granddaughter, Phoebe; sister, Peggy Bennett; in-laws, Robert (Carol) Den Bleyker, Donald (Myrna) Den Bleyker, Judy Den Bleyker, Thomas (Nancy) Den Bleyker; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, at Niekerk Christian Reformed Church, 545 Country Club Road, Holland. Burial will be in East Holland Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd, Holland, MI 49423 or Eagle Crest Alaska Mission, O-11248 Linden Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49535.
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Donna Jean Huyge
April 17, 1930-July 17, 2026
Donna Huyge, age 96, went to be with her Lord on Friday, July 17, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Bob" Huyge; infant son, Joseph Huyge; and daughter-in-law, Jeannie Huyge.
She is survived by her children, Gary (Kathy) Huyge, Cathy (Steve) VerStrat, David (Paula) Huyge, Barb (Dave) Whipple, Paul (Kim) Huyge; 10 grandchildren and their spouses; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Donna was born in Flint, Michigan. She raised her family in Portage, Michigan, working many years for the Portage Public Schools. After retirement, she and Bob spent 14 winters in Winter Haven, Florida.
Donna most loved spending time with her family and enjoyed cheering on and supporting her grandchildren at sporting events and their other activities. She was also an avid University of Michigan and Michigan State fan. Donna found joy in dancing, especially to "Proud Mary" with Bob or anyone else she could find. She enjoyed bowling, golfing, and playing cards. She also volunteered at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Donna touched many lives and will be dearly missed by her family and all who knew her.
The Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 23, 2026, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3937 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, with visitation one hour prior to the service. A rosary will take place at 9:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Michigan. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.
Faith E. Ruiter
December 8, 1945-July 16, 2026
Faith E. Ruiter, age 80, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
She was born on December 8, 1945, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Henry and Katherine (Doornbos) Walthorn. On September 17, 1965, Faith married John Ruiter of Spring Lake at Lee Street Christian Reformed Church in Wyoming, Michigan. Together, they made their home in Nunica, Michigan.
Faith’s relationship with her Lord was central to her life. She was an active member of Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church for 61 years. She will be remembered as the church’s first female deacon and for her service with the youth, choir, and handbell choir. She also hosted many church gatherings and spent countless hours decorating the church for Sunday worship and special services.
Faith cared deeply for her family. Whether it was her husband, children, their spouses, grandchildren, extended relatives, or friends she considered family, she readily opened her home, coordinated visits, planned picnics, and wrote letters. Through her generous care for others, she demonstrated the love of Christ.
Faith enjoyed traveling with her family, grandchildren, church groups, sisters, and friends. Many treasured memories were made at the family cabin and in other beautiful and adventurous places, where she loved hiking, discovering wildflowers, and taking countless photographs. She preserved decades of memories and adventures in more than 40 scrapbooks filled with pictures of family and friends.
Faith strove to reflect Christ by improving the lives of those around her. She worked as a nurse for 38 years in the Tri-Cities area. She also served as a local election coordinator, refugee family supporter, LOVE in Action medical advocate, thrift store volunteer, and Vacation Bible School teacher. Her love, guidance, and compassion touched the lives of many.
Faith is survived by her husband of nearly 61 years, John; three children, Kim (Dean) Van Loo, Sherri (Robert) Cole, and Christopher (Beth) Ruiter; six grandchildren, Elena (Erin) Van Loo, Aiden Van Loo, Addison Ruiter, Holden Ruiter, Weston Ruiter, and Judson Ruiter; siblings, Phyllis (Bob) Myers, Lois DeVries, John (Kathy) Walthorn, and Diane “Di” Walthorn; in-laws, Glenn Rooks, Jane (Carl) Dams, and Daniel (Vickie) Ruiter; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Katherine Walthorn; her brother, Jim Walthorn; her parents-in-law, Ralph “Bud” and Marian Ruiter; her sister-in-law, Marcia Rooks; and her brother-in-law, Larry DeVries.
A memorial celebration of Faith’s life will be at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church. Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. until the beginning of the service. Interment will be at Spring Lake Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Faith’s memory may be made to Western Michigan Christian High School or Grand Haven Christian School. Please sign the family's online guestbook at Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.
