Ardis S. Doezema

Ardis Doezema, age 85, of Shelbyville, Michigan, went Home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

Ardis was born in Hopkins, MI, on September 27, 1938 and graduated from Hopkins Public School becoming the Queen of Hopkins in her senior year. In 1957, she married the love of her life, Willis Doezema, and was married 64 years. Together they had five children. She was a member of Martin Reformed Church her whole life, serving as a Sunday School teacher, catechism teacher, and was happy to be active in the Women’s Guild and other activities for many years. She also served on various committees and events in the East Martin Christian School.

Ardis devoted her life to taking care of her family. She enjoyed children, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Known for her gift of talking, she enjoyed visiting with people, making friends wherever she went. She hosted more “coffee times” than could be counted and her door was always open to those who stopped by. Ardis was also an advocate for the Right to Life, marching in Washington DC for the protection of unborn children. During the last six months of her life, she was blessed by the amazing, caring staff and residents of Allegan County Medical Care Community who became a second family to her.

Ardis is survived by her children: Bill & Janet Doezema, Dale & Joan Doezema, Carol & Charles Jager, Brenda & Kevin Marsman, Frank & Melissa Doezema; grandchildren: Sam Doezema, Jake Terpstra, Adam & Kelsey Terpstra, Hope Doezema, Katie Doezema, Kristin & Daniel Cadiz, Kayla & Levi Smith, Austin Marsman, Travis Marsman, Jenna Marsman, Sydney Doezema, Trentyn Doezema, Cole Doezema, Brodie Doezema including honorary grandchildren: Vincent Karweik, Celia (Karweik) Dull, Ellie (Karweik) Starr; great-grandchildren: Willow Terpstra, Ezra and Joel Cadiz, Koy Starr, and Memphis Karweik; her siblings: Pearl & Ray Bronkhorst, Leon Lodenstein, Jan & Dave Williams, Dave & Pat Lodenstein, Clare & Julie Lodenstein, Joann Lodenstein, Sharon VanWeerdhuizen, Chuck & Jane Zuverink; in-laws: Bruce & Donna Doezema, John VanGoor, and Bob & Pat Doezema; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Ardis was preceded in death by her husband, Willis; her parents, Herm & Lilly and siblings: Marion, Howard, Carl, Calvin, and Paul.

Friends are invited to gather with the family to remember and share their memories of Ardis on Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 1:00-2:00 P.M. at Martin Reformed Church, 1073 W. Allegan Street, Martin, MI 49070. Ardis’ Memorial Service will also be at the Martin Reformed Church on Saturday, January 13th, at 2:00 P.M. followed by a “coffee time” with fellowship and light refreshments. Pastor Matt Hendricks will be officiating. A private Inurnment will be at a later date at East Martin Cemetery, Martin, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to: Positive Options, 339 S. River Avenue, Holland, MI 49423 (a pregnancy resource center serving Allegan County) or Martin Reformed Church Preschool (tuition assistance), 1073 W. Allegan Street, Martin, MI 49070. Forever in our hearts, until we meet again. Thank you to Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home & Cremation Society (Plainwell, MI).