Mary Geraldine Kaylor

Mary Kaylor was a woman of such great love and faith, of patience and persistence. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a friend to so many. Mary was also a woman who loved to build puzzles, patiently putting the pieces together, always finding the right fit. Like those puzzles, Mary was such an important piece in the lives of all who knew her. Today her memory and her love continue to bring us together.

Mary's story began on a beautiful summer day in 1945, during a time of such great celebration in this country. The black skies of World War II were beginning to clear, as America brought a dramatic end to the global conflict that cost so many so dearly. The atomic bombs dropped on Japan abruptly ended the war, and the world was never the same again. In the bustling city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, life was about to change for Albert and Maxine (Otis) Vanden Bosch, as well, as they readied their own celebration, the birth of a baby girl. On August 31, 1945, a warm Friday, they welcomed a baby daughter they named Mary Geraldine, the fourth of their six children.

Mary's father was a minister in a nondenominational church. As the daughter of a minister, church was an integral part of Mary's life from an early age. She was born with a beautiful voice, and loved to sing with her family. In addition to his ministry, Mary's father worked as a salesman for the Ungame Company, while her mother stayed at home to raise the family. Due to her father's professions, her family moved around a lot. Some of the places they lived were LaGrange and Shipshewana in Indiana, and Allegan, Grand Rapids, and Coopersville in Michigan. Mary grew up very close to her brothers and sisters, they remained close her whole life.

Mary attended several different schools including Allegan High School. She grew up with a strong work ethic, and one of her first jobs was working as a waitress at Corky's Restaurant in Allegan, as just a young girl.

When she got a little older, Mary began noticing a handsome young man. His name was Donald Kaylor. The two hit it off, and soon had their first date - going to a Sunday night church service together in Grand Rapids. Soon their dates grew into love, and on June 4, 1966, the two were married a few months before Mary's 21st birthday. The newlyweds settled in Grand Rapids where Mary found a job at the Wolverine Shoe Company. In 1967, she went to work for General Electric in Holland. Soon however, she would find something far more rewarding: a family. In 1971, she and Donald celebrated the arrival of their first child. A son they named Donald Jr. Four years later, they completed their family circle with a beautiful baby girl they named Jeri. To accommodate their growing family, Mary and Donald built a home in 1972, located on 140th Avenue in Laketown Township. It was the perfect place to raise a family and was conveniently located just four doors down from Gibson Christian Reformed Church, where they attended.

Mary was a wonderful mother, full of so much love, patience and compassion. Her children always knew if they wanted something, they'd better go ask Mom. She was very affectionate. A "hugs-n-kisses" mother who doted on her children, and loved to put puzzles together with them. She was always so supportive and patient, helping them find just the right piece, the right fit, and the right way, whether it was with puzzles, or life.

The Kaylors did much together, and their family picnics were always special. The four of them would pile into the car, drive to Allegan, have a nice meal and then head off into the woods, to go mushroom hunting.

The family always had pets around the home, as well, and a year ago, she and Donald adopted a little Chihuahua named Taco. Mary loved that little dog, and there was no question who the dog loved most.

Mary was famous for her delicious goulash, which she lovingly made with the stewed tomatoes she and Donald spent time canning every summer together, a tradition they kept going for many years. Her cooking expertise also served her well in her last job, working at the Russ' Restaurant Commissary.

Mary found many other things to occupy her time, as well. She was active in the Church, and volunteered her time with the Forgotten Man Prison Ministries, and could always be counted on at her children's school with the PTO and the library. In her free time, Mary enjoyed doing word search puzzles, reading Tabloid Magazines and watching her favorite soap opera, Days of our Lives. Later in life, she enjoyed her grandchildren more than anything. She doted on them, showering them with affection and attention. Her grandchildren were also her primary focus. Mary never wanted anything for herself. All she ever wanted is for them to be happy.

Sadly, in 1995, Mary suffered a stroke, which left her with some disabilities, and forced her to retire from Russ'. Eventually, she recovered well, but then, on July 22, 2006, Mary suffered another stroke, and sadly died on August 1, 2006.

Mary was a wonderful woman, of such great love and faith, who always put her focus on those around her. She was a beloved wife, a doting mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend to so many. Like those many puzzles she patiently completed, Mary was an important piece in the lives of all who knew her. Her memory, and her love, continues to bring us together, now and forever. She will be greatly missed.

Mary Geraldine Kaylor, age 60, of Holland, MI. died of a stroke Tuesday August 1, 2006 at Holland Community Hospital. Mary was born August 31, 1945 in Grand Rapids, MI. Preceding her in death was her mother and father, Albert and Maxine Vanden Bosch, Her brother, Alvin Vanden Bosch, and Her sister, Sharon Eggert. Her family includes: Donald Kaylor, husband of 40 years; son Donald Jr. and Melissa Kaylor of Holland, daughter Jeri and Arnold Pitcher of Holland, four grandchildren, Jared and Liam Kaylor, Shana and Erik Pitcher. Brothers and sisters Donna and Robert Brown of Shipshewana, Indiana, David and Sherry Vanden Bosch of Twin Lake, MI, Juanita and Alvie Brinkley of Georgia, several in laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services will be 11 am Friday at the Gibson Christian Reformed Church A6486 140th Ave. Holland, MI, with Robert Knaack officiating. Burial will be in Gibson Cemetery in Laketown twp..

Visiting will be from 2-4 and 7-9 pm Thursday at Mulder Chapel Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home 188 west 32nd Street Holland, MI.

Memorials maybe made to The Kaylor Family Funeral Fund.

Please visit www.lifestorynet.com for further information and an online registry.