Jackie Vander Ploeg

Jacqueline “Jackie” Vander Ploeg was a quiet and compassionate woman who brought warmth into many hearts over the years. She was a giving and trustworthy person; always ready to go the extra mile to make someone’s day. Jackie had a very special connection to her family and loved nothing more than to share quiet moments with her loved ones.

Jackie was born during a very harsh period in our nation’s history. The Great Depression wracked this nation and many others around the world with a cadre of economic problems, causing mass unemployment and worse. These years of hardship had one positive effect though - they bolstered the will of millions of Americans who had to rely on their own strength to see it through the tough times. Conditions began to ease as the late 1930’s wore on, and newly elected president Franklin Roosevelt promised hope and recovery.

Jackie entered this changing world on October 29th, 1936. She was born in Holland, Michigan, the only daughter in a family with 4 children. Even though Jackie was the only daughter she had a special relationship with her brothers that would last forever. Her father, Virgil Johns, worked as a supervisor at Baker Furniture to earn money for his family. Jackie was preceded in death by her father Virgil in 1999 and a brother Larry Johns in 2002. Jackie attended Holland schools from which she graduated in 1954. In her youth, she loved to play sports whenever she could even through her adult years. She was a fearsome third baseman for her relatively small size, and her throwing arm packed an unexpected wallop. Jackie enjoyed bowling, on Tuesday morning’s she was in a women’s league and on Friday nights in a couple’s league with her husband Jerry.

Jackie was introduced to a gentleman named Jerry Vander Ploeg in 1956. They were set up on a blind date, meeting for coffee one Sunday after church. A few days after their first date, Jerry gave her a call and set up another date, and this was the beginning of their relationship and romance. Jackie’s grandfather wasn’t very kind or inviting to Jerry at first. He actually disliked Jerry quite a bit, though it was mostly because he was protective of Jackie who was his pride and joy. Jerry stuck it out though, and his persistence paid off. Jackie and Jerry married in 1958 and within just a few years, Jerry had grown very close with her grandfather.

Jackie and Jerry had 3 kids together, and nothing was more precious to Jackie than her children. She was a patient and caring mother who loved being active in her children’s lives. For a period of 4-5 years, Jackie and the family would go camping during the warm seasons, but she later developed a fondness for staying close to home. When Jackie could be coaxed into a vacation, she usually enjoyed herself. A notable example was the trip the family took to Disney World in Orlando. The drive down was full of quiet tension, but once Jackie was there and able to shop day and night--well her attitude changed just a bit.

A special place in Jackie’s heart belong to children, but none so special as her own four grandchildren; Katie Vander Ploeg, Andy Vander Ploeg, Caitlyn Sherlock, and Cassandra Sherlock. Jackie worked as a bus driver for West Ottawa public schools for 22 years. She had a special love for children, and rejoiced at being able to see kids everyday. Jackie especially liked helping the children with special needs and she was a positive influence in the lives of these kids. Every Monday and Friday she would meet the other drivers for coffee at the James Street Inn where they could catch up with the latest news.

Jackie was quiet and very close with her family; she had a special connection to her Mother and Grandmother. Jackie was a devoted daughter, and would visit her mother Blenda every day. She liked the fact that Jerry’s job allowed him to come home at 2:00 in the afternoon so they could spend time together. The whole family attended church every Sunday at Fellowship Reformed in Holland. She would volunteer to help out with Sunday school occasionally, when the teachers needed some extra help. There was no place that Jackie would rather be than spending time with her family. She was affected deeply by the events of September 11th, 2001 and from that day on, showed her American pride wherever she went. She wore her beloved American Flag pin on her shirt everyday as well as a flag on her car.

Ironically, Jackie died on the second anniversary of that fateful day, at her home where she felt most comfortable and at peace.

Jackie is survived by her husband of 45 years: Jerry Vander Ploeg; children: Curt and Sherry Vander Ploeg of Holland, Kathy Echtenaw of Marysville, WA, Craig Vander Ploeg of Albuquerque, NM; 4 grandchildren; her mother, Blenda Johns of Holland; Brothers: Rev. Ronald and Nancy Johns of Cortland, NY, Bruce and Marti Johns of Grand Rapids; In-Laws: Pat Johns of Holland, Mary De Marrow of Kingston, MI, Glenna and Joe Doody of Holland, Dawn and Tom Graham of Holland, Jack and Cheri Vander Ploeg of Jenison; several nieces and nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 2:00 PM at Fellowship Reformed Church in Holland. Officiating will be the Rev. James Baar. Burial will be in Lakewood Cemetery. Friends may visit the family on Sunday from 5-8 PM at the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes Inc located at 295 Douglas Ave. To read Jackie’s complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to Hospice Care of Holland or Fellowship Reformed Church Memorial Fund, please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Jackie was a warm and loving person who brought a special light to the lives of her loved ones throughout the years. She will be greatly missed.