Obituary

Remembering Anita (Ribbens)  Bratt

Bratt, Anita (Ribbens) Anita (Ribbens) Bratt, aged 93, passed into eternal life on October 9, 2014. She was a faithful servant of Christ, a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother. Born in Sheboygan, WI to Theunis and Gertrude Ribbens, she graduated from Calvin College, taught at Southwest Christian School, married Bert Bratt of Holland, MI in 1945, and they raised a family of five children while Bert taught at Oakdale Christian School. Anita served her Lord at Fuller Ave. CRC in many roles and set an example of dedicated community service through Bible Study Fellowship, the FISH transportation program, and Meals at Home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bert; their infant daughter, Judy; son-in-law, Marvin Meyer; brothers, Anthony and William Ribbens; and many brothers- & sisters-in-law. She is survived by her children, Ken & Laurel (Strikwerda) Bratt, Bonnie Meyer, James & Tina (Bruinsma) Bratt, Joy Monsma, Barb & Sam Vander Ploeg; 26 grandchildren: Christy & Travis, Steve & Lauren, Jessica & Jonathan, Peter & Susan, Suzanne, Justin & Sarah, Tim & Sarah, Jon, Greg & Emily, David, Ben & Jena, Beth, Eric & Tiffany, Rob, Ryan, Kyle, and Nathan; as well as two great-granddaughters: Naomi and Rosalie; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by brother, Ted Ribbens and sisters, Frances Van Baak, Marge Cramer, Charlotte (Adrian) Kaashoek, and Clarice Ribbens. Friends may greet the family on Friday, October 17 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Kentwood. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. in the Raybrook Chapel of Holland Home, 2121 Raybrook SE, with an hour of visitation before the service. The family gives special thanks to all who work at Holland Home (Raybrook) for their loving care of our parents over many years. Memorial gifts may be made to the Grand Rapids Christian School Association, Holland Home, or Fuller Ave. Christian Reformed Church.

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I got to know & care about Anita while volunteering at the Holland Home for the last 5 years. What a beautiful person inside & out! One of my very favorite people, I shall miss her, but rejoice in my belief that she is in Christ's embrace in heaven for eternity! Anita Rediger

Both I and my children have such fond memories of both Bert and Anita...We witnessed their being the hands and feet of Jesus for many years at Fuller and Oakdale. My prayers are with you. Laura Laura Bartleson

Miss Ribbbens was my teacher at Southwest Chr. school when she married Bert Bratt. Our class gave them a lamp for a wedding gift. That was an exciting time for students who loved their teacher. Arnie and Shirley Snoeyink

I represent Fish for My People. Bert and Anita were such great "fishers" for so many years; I was greatly privileged to work with them and to count them as friends. Blessed memories! Mary Jane Watters

Our sincere sympathies to all of your family including Fran Van Baak. We remember Anita and Bert as wonderful friends of my (Edith's) mother Nellie Swierenga. They were prayer warriors together for many years. May you feel great comfort from our Heavenly Father. Dale and Edith Vander Veen

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