Wilma Jean Holt's Obituary
Big Rapids - Wilma J. Holt, 91, of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, December 14, 2020 at her daughter's home in Jenison, MI.
She was born July 31, 1929, in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Harvey and Gladys (Smith) VanWestrienen. On October 26, 1946, Wilma married Benjamin R. Holt II at the Mecosta County Courthouse and raised their 10 children in Big Rapids.
For many years, Wilma worked for Wolverine Worldwide (WW) in Reed City and Big Rapids. She retired from WW in 1970, and started a daycare service out of her home which she ran for 35 years. Fondly remembered as "Grandma Holt", Wilma had a passion for children, and was a caregiver at heart who spread love to all she met. She was also a long-time member of the Third Avenue United Methodist Church.
Wilma's husband Ben preceded her in death on October 14, 1983. Surviving are her children Edward Holt, Carlton (Joyce) Holt, Janet (Ken) Liefbroer, Catherine (Bill) Dewing, William (Sadie) Holt, David (Kristin) Holt, Jill (Gustavo) Hennessey, and Glen Holt; her grandchildren Angel (Josh) Reidinger, Roan (Paula) Huson, Rhonda (Jerry) Donley, Dennis Holt, Kimberly (Zeb) Mondrella, Carlton Holt, Jr., Martin Holt, Mark (Lindsey) Liefbroer, Becky (James) Wierenga, Shawn Smith, William (Holly) Dewing, William (Abbie) Holt, Jr., Christie Klever, Jeffery Holt, Sarah (Tyler) Roak, Josh (Alexis) Holt, Mary, Abigail, Benjamin, Emily, Amelia, and Matthew Holt, Kelly, Kaitlyn, and Andrew and Hennessey, Jordan Diehlman, Frances Schut, Harley Holt, and Caleb (Katelyn) Holt; 41 great-grandchildren (with two more on the way); 4 great-great-grandchildren; her sisters Maxine (Elmer) VanAlstine, Patricia Skipper, and Gertrude (Paul) Ottobre; and many nieces and nephews.
Wilma was also preceded in death by her daughter Carol Lynn, her son Benjamin, her daughter-in-law Susan Lee, great-grandson David Lee Holt, grandchild Mary Hennessey, great-granddaughter Avah Faith, siblings Margaret (Henry) Kirshbaum, Charles VanWestrienen, Esther (John) Watson, Alice (Melvin) VanderSchurr, Kenneth (Helen and Donna) VanWestrienen, Marcella (Donald) Thorsen, Kenneth Totten, and Jack (Grace) VanWestrienen.
Wilma's family will greet friends on Friday, December 18, from 4-7 p.m., at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Please wear a mask, and practice social distancing. Private family services will take place on Saturday, with Pastor Bill Martin officiating, with burial to follow in the Pine Plains Cemetery in Colfax Township. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Third Avenue United Methodist Church, 226 N. 3rd Ave., Big Rapids, MI 49307. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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