Hattie Vander Roest

VANDER ROEST, Hattie
Formerly: Doorlag, Van Zee
Age 88 Hattie went to be with the Lord June 19, 2009. Hattie was born October 18, 1920 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, daughter of Jerry and Josephine Engberts Doorlag. She was a lifelong Kalamazoo area resident and a member of Immanuel Fellowship Church. Hattie helped create two happy, loving marriages. In 1982 Hattie was preceded in death by her first husband Ralph Van Zee. On December 2, 2000, at age 80, she was united in marriage to Lawrence Vander Roest who died November 15, 2006. Hattie's faith in God enabled her to be a devoted, loving, prayerful, wonderful mother and grandmother. Hattie enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening, preserving fruits and vegetables, and numerous church activities through Immanuel Fellowship Church and Fourth Reformed Church. Many people have enjoyed her wonderful meals, cookies, and fruit pies. She was a very special person, best mother, best grandmother, and best friend. She is loved so much and will be greatly missed. Surviving are three daughters, Jane David Bills of Flushing, Michigan, Esther Ken Thoroughman of Climax, Michigan and Marilyn Dan Wheeler of Kalamazoo, Michigan, two grandsons Mike Bills of Seattle, Washington and Steve Bills of Grand Rapids, Michigan and one sister Rena Van Zee of Russelville, Kentucky. Two sisters, both of Kalamazoo, preceded her death: Alice Ekema in January 2004 and Ada Arnold in 2007. Three brothers and one brother-in-law and one sister-in law survive: Harm Luella Doorlag, Elzo Doorlag, Henry Doorlag, and Henry Ekema, all of Kalamazoo. Several nieces and nephews survive. Hattie is also survived by her stepchildren Rev. Jim and Sandy Vander Roest, of Kalamazoo, Larry and Diane of Brighton, Michigan, and several step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. There will be no visitation according to Hattie's wishes. All are invited for Hattie's burial at Grand Prairie Cemetery on Grand Prairie between Nichols and Drake on Tuesday, June 23, at 1:00 p.m. followed by a 2:00 memorial service at Immanuel Fellowship Church 6015 West H Ave and ending with coffee, cake, and punch. Step son-in-law Reverend Jim Vander Roest will be officiating. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Fellowship Church, building fund. The Family wishes to thank so many special people and staff for their expert and kind care: Dr. K. Kelly, Park Village Pines, The Springs, Visiting Physicians, CareLinc Medical Equipment, Hospice Care of South West Michigan, Rose Arbor, and her special church members and special friends. And, lastly, extreme appreciation to Hattie's sister, brothers, and sister-in-law for their lengthy, loving, and consistent care, help, and interaction with Hattie during these past years.