Darlene Meyers

There are some who busy themselves pursuing things such as wealth and stature, but Darlene Meyers made the people in her life her main focus. She loved to see others smile whether it was the customers she served, the friends she treasured, or the family she was blessed to call her own. Darlene was a fun-loving woman who used every opportunity to take what life had to offer and live it to the fullest, finding joy in each step along her journey. In her own kind and gentle way, Darlene made a significant impact on the lives of so many within her reach, leaving behind a beautiful history that will be a lasting treasure for those who will miss her dearly.

The fifties were a time unlike any other in American history – a time rich in changes that would forever change the fabric of our nation. Television was becoming a part of living rooms from coast to coast, our country grew to include both Alaska and Hawaii, and we furthered our quest to learn of the things beyond as our first satellite successfully orbited the earth. It was within this unprecedented time that there was great reason to celebrate for the family of Kenneth and Lois Vanden Brink as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Darlene, on August 7, 1958. Darlene was one of four girls in her family including sisters Robin, Brenda, and Vicki. She attended Huyser School in Beaverdam and then went on to Zeeland High School where her favorite class was home economics. This instilled within Darlene a passion for cooking that would remain with her throughout her life. She enjoyed a busy social life as a high school student as well, regularly attending Friday night football games and dances. Darlene also enjoyed Dutch dancing during the Tulip Time festivities and going to the beach along the magnificent eastern shores of nearby Lake Michigan.

It was as a high school student that Darlene met the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Hannes (Skip) Meyers IV, and they met after he transferred to Zeeland High School from Zeeland Christian School. Truth be told, Darlene was totally smitten by Skip’s dashing good looks, and she and her friend Dede used to ride past his house while he was mowing the lawn. After they began dating, the couple could often be found cruising in her old Volkswagen Beetle or his ’63 Ford Galaxie. Darlene went on to graduate from high school in 1976. The couple continued to date for quite some time, so long in fact that Darlene got tired of waiting for Skip to propose and she proposed to him!

After dating for such an extended period of time, the couple had a brief engagement and was married on April 11, 1980, at Harderwyk Church in Holland. They took a honeymoon to Nassau Beach in the Bahamas and fell in love with the Caribbean lifestyle. Throughout their married life, Darlene and Skip became frequent visitors to the Caribbean, usually on cruises with Jamaica being one of their favorite stops. She loved outdoor dining in Jamaica where the warm breeze and salty air are almost as great as the food.

The couple was thrilled with the birth of their son, Hannes V some time later. Darlene was a loving and nurturing mother who made doting over her son a priority. In addition to her roles as a wife and mother, Darlene worked as a waitress for over 35 years. She loved her work, especially chatting it up with her customers. She first worked at Jay’s Inn in Zeeland, then for several years at James Street Inn in Holland, and most recently, at Pereddies in Holland.

When she had leisure time, Darlene was usually one to keep busy. She loved to cook and everything she made was truly unmatched. Darlene took each recipe and tweaked it to make it her own, and she loved baking, too. She regularly watched the Food Network, and loved entertaining family and friends on their deck. When it came to music, Darlene loved classic rock including her favorite song, “Longer” by Dan Fogelberg. Not surprisingly, Darlene also liked music with a beach or Caribbean sound, especially while boating on Lake Michigan. Every Wednesday, she and Skip went out to lunch together, and she loved being part of his car hobby with special liking for his '68 Road Runner. Faith played an important role in Darlene’s life as did her church. She was a former member of Harderwyk Christian Reformed Church and was a current member of Fellowship Reformed Church in Holland. Darlene was active in her church through the years including in the nursery and helping out with the Christmas programs, too.

There were so many who were blessed to know Darlene Meyers. She was sensitive, loving, and supportive of others in every way. Old family pictures and mementos were Darlene’s most treasured possessions because they represented the precious moments that were most near and dear to her heart. She always wanted those around her to be filled with happiness, and she loved making people smile. Darlene was a true gift to the world around her and will be dearly missed, taken from those she loved much too soon.

Darlene Meyers of Holland died on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at Holland Hospital.

Darlene’s family includes her husband of 30 years, Hannes (Skip) Meyers IV; son Hannes Meyers V; parents, Lois and Dave Van Ommen of Holland and Kenneth and Sandy Vanden Brink of Ludington; sisters, Robin (Dan) Posma of Zeeland, Brenda of Holland, Vicki (Mack) Mc Bride of Muskegon; parents-in-law, Hannes and Marjorie Meyers Jr. of Holland; brothers-in-law, Steve Meyers of Zeeland and Mark Meyers of Norton Shores; uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and cousins. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Fellowship Reformed Church, 300 N. 168th Ave. Visitation will follow the service at the church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Holland Hospital Foundation c/o the Healing Garden. Arrangements are by the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes-Northwood Chapel – Holland, MI.