Barbara Jean VanHeulen, age 81, of Kalamazoo, MI, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, August 7, 2019. She was preceded  in death by her husband of 60 years, Norman; parents, Anthony and Lucille Crystal; brothers, Leon Crystal and Earl Crystal; sister, Betty Teft. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, David VanHeulen, Judy and Christopher Black, Daniel VanHeulen, Jan and John Thorn, Jill and Edwin Farnsworth; grandchildren, Shanel and John Sweeting, Amy and Michael Grandy, Andrew and Audrey Black, Abby and Andrew D’Addario, Marleigh Thorn, Leanne Thorn, Nathan Thorn, Julie and Noah Matthysse, Jared Farnsworth, Jennifer Farnsworth; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Leonard Crystal; sisters-in-law, Theresa Phillips, Kathleen Crystal; and many nieces and nephews.  Barb loved being a wife, mom and grandma.  She was a student of God’s Word, a nature lover, a golfer, a volunteer, and an artist who expressed her creativity in many different ways.  Barb had a passion for teaching, mentoring and volunteering at her Church, Bible Study Fellowship, Bronson Hospital, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Gull Lake Ministries,  and hosting international college students and missionaries on furlough.  She welcomed everyone and was a wonderful hostess.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 17, 11:00 am at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW.  Interment Fort Custer National Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family on Friday from 4-7 pm and on Saturday from 10-11 am prior to the service at the funeral home.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Faith Hospice, BSF International or Van Andel Institute Parkinson’s Disease Research.

Leave Your Tribute Message

August 09, 2019 8:56am
Sympathy to Barbs whole family, I will never forget the first time I cut your mothers hair at Grand-village Retirement Center, I was given special instructions about her bangs. She never had to tell me again I always remembered . What a special women your mothers was. always so pleasant. May God touch your sadness with great joy as you remember all the good times you had as a family.

- Eleanor DeShane

August 09, 2019 5:46am
Barb & I had a special connection through volunteering at Bronson. My husband and I volunteered on the same day as Barb & Norm so we got to know each other well. Through our friendship, I now have a special connection with Jan, John, Marleigh, Annie and Nate. I am so thankful for this very special family. RIP Barb.

- Irene Stearns

August 09, 2019 5:42am
Barb was a very special Bronson volunteer. She was generous, thoughtful and always had a smile. We also remember that Barb & Norm enjoyed our recognition dinner themes.

- Sue & Julie; Bronson Volunteer Services

August 08, 2019 6:02pm
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear mother, Judy. You have my deepest sympathies & prayers of peace & comfort during this difficult time. We do rejoice that she’s been reunited with your father in their heavenly home with Christ !

- Kim Dahlke




Order flowers for Barbara's service.

Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement

White Wonder

Thinking of You Basket

Tender Touch

Stargazer Garden

Stargazer Easel Spray

Sincere Sympathy Garden

Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)

Remembrance Easel Spray

Natures Glory

Loving Embrace

Gerbera Greetings

Colorful Memories Wreath

Classic Sympathy

Blooming Duo

Bells of Beauty

Beautiful Memories

Beautiful Blessings Wreath

Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.

 

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