Obituaries: Nov. 9, 2026

Crystal J. Baum

October 10, 1927-November 5, 2026

Crystal Joyce Baum passed quietly and peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior, who lovingly called her friend and welcomed her into her new eternal home.

For 99 years, she did her very best to live a life worthy of her calling, and in these last years wanted only to go home and be with so many family and friends who have gone before her.

She will be deeply missed by three children, Jim and Karen Ornee, John and Carole Ornee, and Tammy Wygmans; eight grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

She served, with a willing heart, each of the churches she was a part of through the years. She also served countless customers who were privileged to sit in her “beauty chair.” She carefully attended to their outer and inner beauty as she shared her life and her Lord with each of them.

A private memorial service will be held for immediate family at a future date. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.

Scott "Scooter" James Brink

October 26, 1967-November 4, 2026

Scott James "Scooter" Brink, age 59, of Robinson Township, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Corewell Health Meijer Heart Center-Grand Rapids.

He was born on October 26, 1967, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to James and Elaine (VanderHeide) Brink.

Scott graduated from Unity Christian High School and was a member of LifeTree Community Church, where he served on the Security and Safety team and loved spending time with his church family. He worked as an electrician for many years with Haveman Electric in Holland and most recently with ENS Electric.

Scooter was a big NASCAR and Detroit Tigers fan who loved animals, especially his two golden retrievers, Daisy and Jackie. He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, camping with friends at the KOA Campground in Allendale, and riding around in his golf cart.

Most of all, Scott enjoyed volunteering his time. He helped countless friends and family with construction projects and was also very involved in the Annual Fall Fest and Car Show at LifeTree Community Church. His bright spirit and light will be deeply missed by so many.

Scott is forever remembered and missed by his family who survive him, which include his mother, Elaine Brink of Jenison; his three sisters, Tricia (Thom) Bartels, Tammy (Chad) Berghorst, and Rachelle (Matt) VandeBunte; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Brink; and wives, Renee (Vanderwey) Brink, who passed away in 2020 after 29 years of marriage; and Cynthia Ann (Hempel) Brink, who died just nine months ago on February 6th of this year after three years of marriage.

The celebration of life for Scott will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at LifeTree Community Church, 10933 Lake Michigan Drive, West Olive, MI 49460, with Pastor Jeff Elzinga officiating. Visitations will be 5-7 p.m. on Monday, November 9 at LifeTree Community Church on Monday, as well as one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Interment will be at Robinson Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to LifeTree Community Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Scott "Scooter" James Brink, please visit our floral store.

Derick J. Lenters

November 13, 1936-October 6, 2026

Dr. Derick J. Lenters passed away peacefully at his home after a brief illness, on the morning of October 6, surrounded by his family.

Derick was born in Holland, Michigan, on November 13, 1936, to Derk and Harmina Lenters, younger brother to Hannah Grace Lenters Gosaynie. After graduating from Holland Christian High School and Hope College, he went on to earn his doctorate of medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School in 1962.

On his last day of medical school, Derick made the very fortunate decision to attend a somewhat optional class (rather than sleeping in) at which he met the love of his life, Diane Marie Howe, who was completing her training in Occupational Therapy at U-M. They married in 1963 and went on to travel the country for his military service in the Coast Guard — first spending time in Cape May, New Jersey, and then in Seattle, Washington. Derick then decided to pursue his medical career in obstetrics and gynecology, and they soon returned to Michigan. He completed his OB/GYN residency at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Derick then returned with his family to Holland in July 1970 to begin 45 years on the staff of Holland Hospital in the department of OB/GYN, serving as chairman for several years, and then as chief of staff of Holland Hospital. Throughout his career, he had the privilege of bringing more than 5,000 newborns into the world! He was a diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, member of the American Medical Association, Michigan State Medical Society, and Ottawa County Medical Society. Dr. Lenters practiced medicine until the age of 78 years young, retiring on Doctors' Day in 2016.

Derick was a long-standing member of Graafschap Christian Reformed Church. His pioneer ancestor, Derk Lenters, arrived at age 14 in 1847 with his uncle Johannes Schrotenboer as one of the founding members of Graafschap Church.

Derick is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Diane Marie Howe Lenters; children, Kathryn Rudman (Nate) of Centerville, Massachusetts, John Lenters (Amanda) of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and Jennifer Lyford (Mark) of Laramie, Wyoming. He was the beloved grandfather of Derk, Molly, Halle, and Rebecca.

He was predeceased by his sister, Hannah Lenters Gosaynie, and his parents, Derk and Harmina Lenters.

Derick loved cars, especially his prized Volkswagen Scirocco and long hours of driving (the scenic route always being his favorite!) In fact, he was known to drive out to see the kids for lunch or a quick Michigan or Pats game and then drive back home. He also was known to travel by car cross-country and especially enjoyed trips out west to Wyoming, Montana, and Washington.

He loved his Michigan Wolverines, being a season ticket holder for many, many years. His fondness for everything UM was passed down through the family, including to the third-generation Lenters medical student currently at his alma mater.

He also loved music, especially classical music. Besides encouraging his children and grandchildren in their musical ambitions, he had an extensive collection of vinyl, cassette tapes and CDs and educated himself on composers and conductors better than the average college music major!

Derick leaves behind an enduring legacy of gentle kindness, generosity, and going above and beyond for someone in need.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who provided such kind, compassionate care for Derick through Hospice of Holland, Holland Hospital, the Warm Friend, Resthaven, and EMS services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Derick's honor to Hope College, the University of Michigan Medical School, Holland Hospital, or Graafschap CRC. A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St., Holland. Visitation will be 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Following the service, a light luncheon will be served, after which burial will be at the East Saugatuck Cemetery at the Lenters' family plot.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Derick J. Lenters, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Marilyn Jeannine Ross

September 17, 1933-October 31, 2026

Marilyn Jeannine Ross, born Jeannine Anderson on September 17, 1933, in Bear Lake, Michigan, passed away on October 31, 2026, at Harbor Hospice Poppen House.

She lived a long life marked by hard work, determination, devotion to family, and the simple joys that brought her happiness.

Marilyn's life was one of perseverance and purpose. She attended high school in Grand Haven before leaving school, but her education did not end there. At age 40, she returned to earn her GED, a milestone that reflected both her strength and her resolve. She went on to graduate from the nursing program at Muskegon Community College. While attending school, she worked full-time for the Muskegon Chamber of Commerce, balancing responsibility and ambition with remarkable dedication. She later served as a registered nurse at Brookhaven Medical Facility until her retirement, caring for others in a profession that suited her hardworking nature.

Her personal life was filled with many chapters. She married Edward Lewis in 1950, and though that marriage later ended in divorce, it was part of the family story she carried throughout her life. In 1958, she married Harvey James Ross. She was preceded in death by both Harvey Ross and Edward Lewis.

Marilyn found joy in the things she loved most. She loved the beach and cooking, and she treasured time spent in fellowship and fun. A bowling champion, she bowled in leagues every day of the week until she could no longer throw the ball, including at Northway Bowling. She also enjoyed bingo and Scrabble. In later years, becoming a member of Fellowship Church on Apple was especially meaningful to her. Jane and Bruce took her to church, and that connection was a cherished part of her life. Years earlier, she had given Diane a memoir book in which she wrote again and again of her desire to belong to a church, making that membership a deeply personal fulfillment.

She was also remembered for the stories and sayings that reflected her spirit. She once explained that she gave her children simple names because she did not want them to experience the confusion she had known with her own name, having been born Jeannine Anderson and called Marilyn after birth. Even in her final days, her words carried the spark of her personality. Her last words, spoken as her daughters were preparing to leave on Wednesday evening, were, "So what are we waiting for?"

She leaves behind a loving family who will continue to carry her memory forward.

She is survived by her daughters, Jane (Bruce) Gasaway, Mary Jackson and Diane (Eric) Schindlbeck. Her grandchildren, Symon Lewis, Alison Lewis, Kohl (Val) Gasaway, Chad Gasaway, Jeffrey Ross, Mindi Jackson, Tana Goryl and Derek (Katie) Goryl, and two great-grandchildren, Waylen Gasaway and Avery Zaninovich, will remember her with love. She is also survived by daughters-in-law, Diane Lewis and Pam Lewis. The lives of those she loved were shaped by her determination, her humor, her loyalty and the example she set through a life of persistence and care.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Pearl Anderson and Esther and Leo Merriman; by her sisters, Millie Nummerdore and Mavis McGregor; by her husbands, Harvey Ross and Edward Lewis; by her children, Alan Lewis, Steven Lewis, and Jeffrey Ross; and by her grandson, Kyle Jackson.

Marilyn will be remembered as a woman who worked hard, loved deeply, and found pride in what she achieved. From returning to school and building a nursing career, to the bowling lanes she loved, to the church home she longed for and found, her life was full of resilience, humor and heart. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her. The family would like to thank our sister Mary for the care and time she gave to our mother over the last years of her life. We will forever be grateful.

Please visit clockfuneralhome.com to sign the guestbook or leave a memory.

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Eldon Jay Schans

January 14, 1956-November 5, 2026

Eldon J. Schans, age 70, of Overisel, went into the arms of his Lord and savior on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at his home with his wife by his side.

Eldon was born January 14, 1956, to John and Geraldine Schans.

Eldon grew up in Moline, Michigan, and attended Moline Christian School and graduated from South Christian High School in 1974. He married the love of his life, Roxanne Cornell, in 1987.

Eldon worked for his family on the farm growing up and in his family business, Schans Asphalt. He went to work as a mechanic/service manager at Morrison Industrial Equipment. After moving to Overisel, he returned to his passion in farming and working on John Deere tractors and combines for Fillmore Equipment and New Heights Farm. He loved working on any small engine when he had the chance. He was the master at fixing equipment, but "Green" was his favorite. Eldon enjoyed serving the community and was a firefighter with the Overisel Fire Department for 28 years.

Eldon played softball and was on a bowling league and gave 110% to everything he did. He enjoyed farming, gardening, and most anything outdoors or working with a motor in his spare time.

Eldon was an active and faithful member at Overisel Reformed Church, serving as a deacon, elder, and chairperson of the building committee for the new church building project. He also sang in the choir and was active in Bible studies and mission trips.

Eldon enjoyed many travel adventures with Roxanne by his side, exploring 38 out of the 50 states.

Eldon was preceded in death by his parents, John and Geraldine Schans; in-laws, Lewis and Faye Cornell; and brother-in-law, Kirk Cornell.

Eldon is survived by his wife of 39 years, Roxanne; son, Cjason Lee Schans; siblings, Larry (Shirley) Schans, Renald (Dorothy) Schans, Jane (Jack) Kuipers and Marietta (Jim) Schut; brother-in-law, Lester (Karen) Cornell; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m. Friday, November 13, 2026, at Overisel Reformed Church, 4706 142nd Ave. Pastor Ken Kleinheksel and Rev. Mike Pitsenberger will officiate. Burial, with fire department honors and final callout, will be in Overisel Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for 4-7 p.m. Thursday, November 12, 2026, also at the church.

In lieu of flowers (please donate instead of sending flowers), memorial contributions may be made to the Overisel Fire Department, 4779 142nd Ave., Holland, MI 49423, or Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd., Holland, MI 49423. Arrangements are by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home and condolences may be left online at langelandsterenberg.com.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Eldon Jay Schans, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Joseph Francis Smith III

March 25, 1973-November 1, 2026

Joseph Francis Smith III, age 53, of Kentwood, passed away at home on November 1, 2026, surrounded by his family's love and the faith that carried him through life.

Joe was born on March 25, 1973, in Grand Rapids, to Joseph F. Smith Jr. and Paula Rae Smith. While growing up in Wyoming, he attended school at St. John Vianney and Catholic Central. Joe spent 37 years in the print and mail industry, including the last 16 at WAM Print and Mail. His ingenuity served him well throughout his career.

Joe was an adventurous man, generous and caring, who adored his family. He had a magical way of making others feel seen, and anyone who spent time with him knew they mattered. He loved cooking up new experiments in the kitchen, always ready to try something different and share the results with the people he loved.

He was a devoted football fan who celebrated every University of Michigan and Detroit Lions win as if it were his own. His Christian faith was the foundation of his life, shaping the way he loved, gave, and cared for others.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Stacey L. Smith, the beautifully sweet heart of his world; children, Trenton Smith, Corbin Smith, and Sophia Dalziel, Chase Graciano, Diego Graciano, Bianca Graciano; six grandchildren; father, Joseph F. Smith Jr.; and sisters, Michelle Stockwell and Karen Smith-Rosbury.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Paula, and his grandparents.

To honor Joe's love for U of M football, guests are invited to dress in maize and blue as we celebrate his memory. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Saturday, November 28, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI, with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions to help cover medical expenses. GoFundMe: gofund.me/1bacbbafa.

Vashti Renea Thomas

July 11, 1990-October 30, 2026

Vashti Renea Thomas, age 36, of Holland, Michigan, born on July 11, 1990, went to be with her Lord on October 30, 2026.

She will be remembered with deep respect and enduring love for the care she showed to others and for the lasting memories she leaves behind. Though her time here was far too short, her memory will live forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Vashti was preceded in death by her grandmother, Shirley; her grandfather, Russel; another grandfather, Charles; and her nephew, Xavion.

She leaves behind her beloved children, Rakiyah and Jayla; her parents, Renea and Robert; her brothers, Robert and LeSean; her sisters, Hope and Faith; and her 13 nieces and nephews, each of whom will continue to carry her presence with them in the days ahead.

The visitation gathering will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026, until the funeral service at 1 p.m. at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St., Holland, MI 49424.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.