Rea Irene Vander Bie

VANDER BIE, REA
Of Kalamazoo Rea Irene Vander Bie went home to be with her Lord on July 16, 2012 at her residence in Kalamazoo, MI. Rea was born March 26, 1948, in Groningen, The Netherlands, the daughter of Menko and Fenny Vegter and had immigrated with her parents to the United States at the age of five. She was a longtime Kalamazoo area resident and was an active member of Southridge Reformed Church. Rea had a very generous and giving heart and truly loved her Lord and Savior. She enjoyed knitting and reading but the most important part of her life was her family. Rea was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, who especially loved spending time with her daughter and son and their families. On June 19, 1969, she was united in marriage to her best friend, David A. Vander Bie who survives. Also surviving are her daughter, Monica Greg French of Anchorage, AK; her son, Steve Crystal Vander Bie of Warsaw, IN; three grandchildren, Elizabeth, Matthew and Luke Vander Bie and soon to be born twins, Baby Girl A and Baby Boy B French. Preceding Rea in death were her parents, and a brother, Henry Vegter. A Memorial Service to celebrate Rea's life will be held at 6:00 PM Wednesday, July 18th at Southridge Reformed Church 6726 Texas Drive with Pastor Becky Ringler officiating. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service from 5-6 PM Wednesday at the church. Memorials in Rea's memory may be directed to the National Kidney Foundation.