EDITOR'S NOTE: This file will be updated throughout the month as new notices become available.

Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services

Donna Pope
Nov. 11, 1935-April 28, 2025

Mrs. Donna Pope, age 89, of Spring Lake, passed away Monday, April 28, 2025.

She was born November 11, 1935, in Grand Haven to Simon and Crystal (Rogers) Scheffers. In 1956, she married Quay Pope, and he preceded her in death in 2000.

Donna had a passion for serving others and was actively involved in the Fruitport community throughout her life. She served on the Fruitport Village Council, the Fruitport District Library Board and was a member of the Lady Lions for many years. During their life together, Donna and her Husband Quay enjoyed traveling and discovering new cultures in various countries throughout the world. After Quay’s passing in 2000, she spent many years volunteering for Hospice and was honored and awarded for her years of dedication and service. In her days as a professional, she had a long-standing and successful career as a Realtor for Rennells-Pyman, Century 21, and REMAX before retirement. She greatly enjoyed gardening, bird watching, music, playing cards and spending time with her family and friends. Her legacy will live on in the local community as people continue to share their memories of Donna who lived her life as an honest, hardworking, straight-shooting, compassionate, caring and energetic person.

She is survived by three sons: Ross Pope, Yale (Emelda) Pope, Heath (Lisa) Pope; seven grandchildren: Jaric (Katee) Pope, Jenna (Jason) Pope-Bergman, Ethan Pope, Chantal (Terry) VanDyke, Dalton Pope, Ian Pope, and Lexi Pope; and six great-grandchildren; brother, Gaye (Richard) Scheffers. She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard and sister, Nancy Allen.

A memorial service will be held noon Friday, May 9, 2025, at Fruitport Community Church with Rev. Donna Rick officiating. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at church. Memorial contributions in memory of Donna may be given to Fruitport District Library. Interment will take place in Pine Hill Cemetery. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at sytsemafh.com.

Phyllis Betty Button
March 11, 1933-April 26, 2025

Phyllis Betty Button, age 92, of Grand Haven, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Pinewood Place.

She was born March 11, 1933, in McBain, Michigan, to Ernest and Mary (DeBack) Scheltema. Phyllis married Calvin Button on November 6, 1952, in Grand Haven.

Calvin preceded her in death on June 7, 1995.

Phyllis, lived most of her life in the Tri-Cities and worked as a launderer/flatwork ironer worker for Haven Modern Laundry and Dry Cleaning. After retiring, she also worked at the Grand Haven Tribune. Phyllis was a longtime member of Second Reformed Church, Grand Haven Eagles for 58 years, and volunteered at Love in Action. Her other interests were working on jigsaw puzzles, bowling, and most of all spending time with her family.

Phyllis is lovingly remembered by her son, Robert (Pamela) Button; daughter-in-law, Kelly Button; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, John Scheltema and Phillip Scheltema; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Elden Button and Calvin Button Jr.; four sisters: Marion Keyway, Nellie Laman, Lucille Kuipers and Shirley Kane; two brothers, William “Bill” Scheltema and Ernest Scheltema; four sisters-in-law: Emma Scheltema, Velma Scheltema, Judy Scheltema and Teng Scheltema; five brothers-in-law, Julius Keyway, Don Laman, Larry Kuipers, Bob Kane and Bill DeBack; two great-great-grandchildren, Gage M. English and Ziva English.

The funeral for Phyllis will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Life Church of Grand Haven with Pastor Dan Eisnor officiating. Friends may meet the family on Wednesday, April 30, from 4-6 p.m. at The VanZantwick Chapel. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorials to Life Church of Grand Haven or the Salvation Army are appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.