Grace Louella VanWestrienen's Obituary
Big Rapids - Grace Louella VanWestrienen, 86, of Rodney, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at her daughter's residence under Hospice care.
She was born April 3, 1934 in Big Rapids, the daughter of William and Susanna (Lightfoot) Schort, and lived in the area most of her life. For many years Grace worked as a Nurse Technician at Greenridge Nursing Home, and then later as a home health care provider.
Grace was an avid reader, and loved her flower gardens. She also enjoyed Tae Kwon Do, playing the banjo, and in her later years she liked riding motorcycles. A loving mother, Grace especially loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.
On February 11, 1956, Grace married Jack VanWestrienen who preceded her in death in 2011. She is survived by 3 daughters, Jane (Charles) Gross of Big Rapids, Susan (Keith) Marrs of Morley, and Grace (Randy) Fisher of Big Rapids; 4 sons, Jack (Terry) VanWestrienen Jr. of Big Rapids, Stuart VanWestrienen of Evart, Garrett VanWestrienen of Grand Rapids, and Kenneth (Linda) West of MS; her step-daughter Stacey Lane of Big Rapids; 20 grandchildren; her brother John Schort; and many great- and great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Grace was also preceded in death by an infant son Clifford, daughters Estella Adams and Lilly Maurer, sister Bernice Sheneman, and brother Charles Schort.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 6, 2020 at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastor Ted Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the Martiny Township Cemetery in Rodney. Grace's family will greet friends at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Friday until time of services. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Hospice of Michigan. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Grace?
What’s a lesson you learned from Grace?
Share a story where Grace's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Grace you’ll never forget.
How did Grace make you smile?