Gail Jean Vander Straaten

VANDER STRAATEN, Gail J.
Of Kalamazoo
Passed away suddenly Thursday January 29, 2009 in Eufaula, Alabama. Gail was born August 4, 1934, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Jay and Ruth Slager Stockwell. For many years she was employed with the Kalamazoo Paper Box Company; later with B & H Appliance and retired from Arvco Container Corp. She enjoyed bowling and golfing, but the most important part of her life was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gail was married to David C. Vander Straaten who preceded her in death on January 9, 1974. Also preceding her in death were her parents; two brothers, Tom and Bill Stockwell; a great-granddaughter, Kaylee and a special friend, Ben Jenkins. Surviving are her daughter, Debbie Jeff Ryder of Portage; three grandchildren, David Michele Ryder, Heather Ryder and Michael Ryder; two great-grandchildren, Abbi and Alec; and Gail's special friend and companion, Rudy Carstensen and his family. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick Street, where a service to celebrate Gail's life will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday with Pastor James Dyke officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gail's memory may be directed to an educational fund for her great-grandchildren envelopes available at the chapel.