Arleen Hendee, age 74, of Byron Center, Michigan, returned home with Jesus holding her hand, on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Arleen was a devoted wife, mother, and woman of faith who was always there for the people she loved. She shared 58 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Howard, and could always be counted on to stand by her family and have their backs. Strong, loving, caring, and kind, Arleen had a way of making those around her feel supported and loved. Growing up as the fifth of ten sisters, Arleen learned from an early age the importance of community and looking out for one another. She was deeply devoted to her faith and found comfort and strength in it throughout her life. Arleen was also an animal lover and had numerous cats and dogs in her lifetime. She will be remembered for her unwavering love, strength, compassion, and the way she was always there for anyone who needed her. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ramiro and Mary Jane Walss; sisters, Rosemary, Marietta, Christine; brothers-in-law, Claude, Tim, Don, Jerry, Al; niece, Sara; and parents-in-law, Howard Sr. and Doris Hendee. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Howard Hendee Jr.; children, Howard III (Tammy) Hendee, Tina (Curt) Oostdyke, Jill (Aaron) Miner; grandchildren, Michael Hendee, Maryann Hendee, Devin (Brittany) Hendee, Katelynd (Chase) Field, Matthew Oostdyke, Jonathan (Erica) Oostdyke-Behrenwald, Jessica (Jerald) Jones, Brianna (Caleb) Harms, Cyrus (Alyssa) Miner, Jillissa Miner, 13 great-grandchildren; sisters, Judy (Bob), Mary Jane, Theresa,  Della, Kathleen, Carmen; siblings-in-law, Cyril Crawford, David (Fernanda) Hendee and the entire Hendee family; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to her caretaker Lee, and the entire staff at Faith Hospice.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Matthysse Kuiper Degraaf Funeral Home (Jamestown), 2371 Riley St, Hudsonville. The burial will take place at Winchester Cemetery immediately following the service. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Thursday from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Faith Hospice or the Alzheimer's Association.