Judith VanRavenswaay

Judith Ann VanRavenswaay, 80, of Holland, MI, passed away peacefully at her home on December 21, 2020.

She was married to the love of her life, Gerrit VanRavenswaay, for 56 years when he died in 2014. Gerrit and Judy had 5 children. The oldest, Steven, preceded her in death on July 18, 2020.

She is survived by children Gary (Sandy) VanRavenswaay, Julie (Calvin) Kortman, Tim VanRavenswaay, and Thomas (Becky) VanRavenswaay, all of Holland, as well as daughter-in-law Corrie VanRavenswaay of Lowell, MI. Judy was the proud grandmother of 16 and great-grandmother of 4.

Judith was born in Kalamazoo, MI to Willard and Sarah Vermeulen. She was the oldest of three children. She is survived by two brothers, Bob (Sharon) Vermeulen, of Grand Rapids, MI, and Don (Ruth) Vermeulen, of Portage, MI.

Judy began playing the piano at a young age and had a great love of music. She particularly loved hymns. Gerrit and Judy met at church youth group and enjoyed playing duets together, she on the piano and he on the violin. Upon moving to Holland, in 1965, they joined Immanuel Baptist Church, where she played organ and piano.

Judith, “Mrs. Van”, was employed by Holland Public Schools for 25 years as a paraprofessional in the Holland High School Media Center. After retirement, Judy and Gerrit became involved in the Holland Chorale for several years.

One of the joys of Judy’s life in recent years was being a member of the alto section of the sanctuary choir at Christ Memorial Church where she could combine her love of God and music. Her “Choir Family” were a huge part of her life.

Visitation will be held at Christ Memorial Church on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 from 10:00 – 11:00 am. The funeral service will follow in the sanctuary beginning at 11:00 am. Rev. Gary Matthews will be officiating.

Burial will be in Graafschap Cemetery. The family requests any gifts be made to Christ Memorial Church Sanctuary Choir. Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Homes-Mulder Chapel.