Obituaries: July 3, 2026
Sally J. Anderson
March 16, 1960-June 25, 2026
Sally J. Anderson, age 66, of Holland, died Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Corewell Health Butterworth Campus from complications of a lingering illness.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Marjorie Anderson and sibling, Charles Anderson.
Sally graduated from Holland High School, class of 1978, and was a member of Trinity Reformed Church. She worked as an IT specialist for the Godfrey Lee and Grand Haven Public School systems.
She is survived by her siblings, John (Cheryl) Anderson, Barbara (John) Kasper, David (Aubrey) Anderson; nieces and nephew, Michael Anderson, Laura (Cameron) Bredice (Isabella Ann), Sarah Anderson; several aunts, uncles and cousins.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland. Interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Thursday, July 9.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Sally J. Anderson, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Marcella Mary Backis
October 5, 1924-July 1, 2026
Marcella Mary Backis passed on July 1, 2026, at the age of 101.
She was born on October 5, 1924.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Ron Driesenga
April 26, 1951-July 1, 2026
Ronald Driesenga, age 75 of Holland, passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
He is survived by his son, Scott and Sarah Driesenga; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jessica Driesenga (Emerson), Nicole Irons (Ethan, Gavin, and Melanie), and Blake Driesenga; his step-grandchildren, Haley Clark (Addison), and Elijah Levy; his siblings, Marlene Sneller, Linda and Bill Casey, Kathy and Kevin Fugelseth, Bonnie and Terry Gruppen, Jim and Judie Driesenga; and his sister-in-law, Vicki Driesenga.
Ron was preceded in death by his infant son, Jeffrey Driesenga; his parents, Harvey and Goldie Driesenga; his brother, Steve Driesenga; and his brothers-in-law, Dan Gruppen and Wayne Sneller.
Ron graduated from Zeeland High School and then started driving a truck for De Young Industrial Refuse, where he retired in 2017.
Ron loved spending time with his family and friends and enjoyed riding his motorcycles and working on his hot rods.
Visitation will be 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Monday, July 6, 2026, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St., Zeeland; the funeral service to honor Ron’s life will follow at 1 p.m. Interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ron Driesenga, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Kenneth John Nauta
May 21, 1950-June 28, 2026
Kenneth John Nauta, age 76, of Grand Haven, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
Ken was born on May 21, 1950, in Grand Haven to James and Genevieve (Wessel) Nauta. He graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1968 and married Roberta Plowman on April 7, 1979.
Ken was a part-owner and mechanic at Wessels in downtown Grand Haven before joining Grand Haven Area Public Schools, where he worked in maintenance until his retirement. He enjoyed spending time with friends by the pool, listening to music and most of all, attending and cheering on his children and grandchildren at their sporting events.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 47 years, Roberta Nauta; his children, Clint (Pamela) Nauta, Dean (Tracey) Nauta, and Taylor (Jordan) Bandstra; his eight grandchildren, Cole Nauta, Grant Nauta, Naia Washington, Isabelle Nauta, Cooper Nauta, Porter Bandstra, Peyton Bandstra, and Luka Bandstra; his siblings, Jim (Jan) Nauta, Mary (Jim) Hoskin, Judy (Louis) Davidson and Steve (Barbara) Madsen; his sister-in-law, Cindy Nauta; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Walter Madsen; and his brother, Tom Nauta.
A memorial visitation will be 3-5 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. A celebration of life will follow at 6 p.m. at the Nauta residence in Grand Haven. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and continue celebrating Ken's life.
All memorial contributions will go to Grand Haven Baseball. Please share memories with the family in their online guestbook at sytsemafh.com.
Jesusa Ramos
December 24, 1925-June 30, 2026
Jesusa (Ramirez) Ramos, age 100, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Mrs. Ramos was born in Alice, Texas, and came to Holland with her family in 1969. She was a devoted long-time member of St. Francis de Sales. She was a member of the “Guadalupanas” and served in the congregation until 2020, at the age of 94. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and served the Lord faithfully until the end of her life. She had an easy smile and a great sense of humor that she passed on to her children. She was a prayer warrior and prayed for the best for everyone.
Jesusa is survived by her children, Nora (Fred) Solano, Ignacio Jr., Elda (Lewis) Ramos, Issac (Linda); grandchildren, Juan Manuel Ramos, Pablo (Kristin), Sofia, Sarah, Tyler (Emily), Riley; great-grandchildren, Myla, Marley, Diego (Seirra), Destiny (JJ), Mason, Miles; great-great-grandchildren, Delaney, Jordan, Avianna; many nieces and nephews and extended family.
Mrs. Ramos was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ignacio Ramos Sr.; parents, Doroteo and Maria Ramirez; granddaughter, Veronica Maria Ramos; all her siblings and in-laws.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 171 W. 13th St., Holland, Michigan.
The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, July 8, from 5-8 p.m., with Rosary prayers starting at 7:30 p.m., at the Dykstra Funeral Home – Mulder Chapel, 188 W. 32nd St., Holland. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 171 W. 13th St., Holland. Father Luis Garcia will preside. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral mass. Interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
Professional service entrusted to the Mulder Chapel.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jesusa, please visit our floral store.
Benjamin Henry Steenwyk
August 10, 1929-June 30, 2026
Benjamin Steenwyk, age 96, of Hudsonville, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Steenwyk; sister, Caroline Vanden Burg; brother, Ray Steenwyk.
He is survived by his children, Michael and Sherry Steenwyk, Alvin and Susan Steenwyk, Kathy and Don Kuperus, Bernie and Linda Steenwyk, Jerry and Lisa Steenwyk, Gordon and Lori Steenwyk, Karen and Tim DeJonge, David and Julie Steenwyk; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Dan and Danielle Steenwyk (Theodore), Elizabeth "Zab" and Nick Daiber, Paul Steenwyk, Sarah Steenwyk, Seth Steenwyk, Scott and Sarah Steenwyk (Mitchell, Selah, Ben), Twila Kuperus, Gabriel and Paige Kuperus, Cody and Elizabeth Kuperus, Jesse and Jenice Steenwyk (Addie, Nolan), Jarod and Kelsee Steenwyk (Millie), Kari Steenwyk and fiance David Tomaszewski, Maddie Steenwyk, Brayden Steenwyk, Brad and Kassidy Steenwyk, Cassie Steenwyk, McKayla and Noah Bengston, Alex Steenwyk, Austin and Katrina Steenwyk, Hannah DeJonge and fiance Nathan Shafer, Lauren and Mitchell Knoor (Audrey), Ben and Emily Steenwyk (Samuel, Jessie), Jordan and Ashlinn Steenwyk (Harley, Miller), Kedan and Elizabeth Steenwyk, Cameron Steenwyk and fiancee Alisia Harp, Justin Steenwyk, Marissa Steenwyk, Blake Steenwyk, Grace Steenwyk; in-laws, Carol Berens, Ray and Betty Berens, Bernice Berens, Louise and Jim Vanden Heuvel, Bob and Pam Berens; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ben was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a faithful member of Messiah Christian Reformed Church for many years, where he will be remembered for his joyful singing.
Funeral services for Ben will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 6, at Messiah Christian Reformed Church. Interment Beaverdam Cemetery. Visitation will be held at VanderLaan Funeral Home on Sunday, July 5, from 2-5 P.M. and on Monday from 10-11 A.M. at Messiah CRC. Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Prison Ministries.
Helen A. (Boerman) Swinehart
August 8, 1927-June 28, 2026
Helen A. Swinehart, age 98, of Grand Haven, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on August 8, 1927, and was raised on her family's farm in Fremont. Helen married Howard Swinehart, and they shared 52 wonderful years of marriage. They began their life in Coopersville before settling in Grant, where they raised their eight children (four daughters and four sons), while building and operating the family business, Grant Furniture. After retirement, they moved to Grand Haven.
Helen's greatest joy was her family. She loved spending time with family and friends and was happiest when everyone gathered together, especially for the large Thanksgiving dinners she hosted over the years. She was well known for making the best strawberry jam, warm cinnamon rolls, homemade applesauce and pies. She also enjoyed gardening, canning, basket weaving, and supporting the local farmer's market.
Helen loved life's simple pleasures. She looked forward to playing board games and cards (especially cribbage), going on picnics, spending time at the beach and attending the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival (a tradition she loved celebrating). Above all, she treasured being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and she rarely missed an opportunity to attend sporting events or activities of her children and grandchildren. Helen will be remembered for her warm smile, kind heart, strong faith and welcoming spirit. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel at home; her love and quiet strength touched countless lives.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family that will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her. Helen will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her eight children, Riley (Tish) Swinehart, Mark (MaryJo) Swinehart, Nancy D'Elia, Jon (Cathy) Swinehart, Barb (Mike) Laird, Jan (Bill) Schaefer, Sally Dingman, and Clinton Swinehart; 18 grandchildren and their spouses; 29 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
The funeral mass for Helen will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spring Lake. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 8, from 5-7 p.m., followed by a Rosary Service at 7 p.m., at Klaassen Family Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Helen Devos Children's Hospital Foundation.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen A. (Boerman) Swinehart, please visit our floral store.
Tressa VanDenBerg
November 19, 1933-July 1, 2026
Tressa VanDenBerg (Gort), age 92, of Hudsonville, went to be with her Lord and savior on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Tressa is survived by her children, Ron and Karen VanDenBerg, Raymond (Mary) VanDenBerg, Ann Marie and Doug Hoogerhyde; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry VanDenBerg, in 2013.
Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 10-11 a.m. at Forest Grove CRC, where a funeral service celebrating Tressa's life will begin at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jeff Scripps officiating. A private burial will take place at Forest Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tressa, please visit our floral store.
Richard "Dick" Albertus VanDyk
February 10, 1930-June 30, 2026
Richard “Dick” Albertus VanDyk, age 96, went to be with his Lord and savior Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn (Brower) VanDyk; and sons, Rick VanDyk Sr. and Tim VanDyk.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 30 years, Sharon VanDyk; children, Vicki (Steve) Weber, Michael VanDyk, Colleen (Pat) Christman, Bill (Trina) Malloy, Tim (Marnie) Malloy; grandchildren, Rick (Lisa) VanDyk, Scott (Smita) Isenga, Samantha (Mike) Wescott, Michael (Debbie) VanDyk, Grace Malloy, Owen Malloy; niece, Sue (Mike) Hayes; many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visitation with Dick’s family and friends will be 11 a.m.-noon Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, Michigan 49418.
Graveside services for Dick will be at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at Georgetown Cemetery, 6921 28th Ave., Hudsonville, MI 49426.
In honor of Dick, and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.
