Ann E. DeWaard

DeWAARD, Ann E.
Of Kalamazoo, Michigan Ann passed away late Sunday evening, June 27, 2010 at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence. She was born November 19, 1932 in Detroit, the daughter of Bennertt and Barbara Straatsma Dykstra. On June 6, 1959, she was united in marriage to Herman DeWaard in Grosse Pointe Park, MI. Ann was the ninth of ten children born to a bustling and loving home of Dutch immigrant parents during the heart of the depression. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her husband of fifty-one years and her three sons. She was a city girl who fell for a farm boy from Iowa who was the love of her life. They eventually settled in Kalamazoo in the early Sixties and were long time members of Westwood Christian Reformed Church where she developed a strong core of friends with whom she remained close throughout her life. She was a woman of uncommon and enduring good humor who accepted each challenge of life without complaint. She stayed true to her spirit to the end and charmed the staff of Rose Arbor Hospice during her six week stay. She lived for the the simple and important things in life and never tired of recounting the memory of them, including tales of her upbringing, courtship and raising a family. She devoted her life to her husband, sons and grandchildren and asked for little in return. She often volunteered at her church and the Appalachian Reach Out charity. She found pleasure in the beauty of Lake Michigan, the tranquility of her yard, and the fellowship of family and friends. Hers was a humble life, but her legacy, perseverance and love were grand. Surviving are her husband, Herman DeWaard; their three sons, Peter Rhonda DeWaard of Jenison, Ronald Jeanne DeWaard of Grand Rapids; and Michael Jennifer DeWaard of Holland; eight grandchildren, Nicholas, Steven, Eric, Nelleke, Jack, Nathaniel, Ben, and Charlie DeWaard; four sisters, Joan Bob Vogel, Julie DeBorst, Gwen Paul Vruwink, and Marge Pursifull; two sisters-in-law, Wilma and Penny Dykstra; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents; one sister, Florence Randolph; and four brothers, Jim, Paul, Lou and Bennett Dykstra. Funeral services for Ann will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday at Westwood Christian Reformed Church, 620 Northampton Road, with Rev. Dale Slings officiating. Private interment will be in Georgetown Cemetery, Jenison. Friends may visit with the family from 4-7 PM on Wednesday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Rose Arbor Hospice Residence or Westwood Christian Reformed Church Benevolence Fund. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign, view or print Ann's online guestbook or leave a condolence to the family.