Barbara Vink

April 28, 1971 ~
May 11, 2024

Barbara Ann Vink was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, she fought a long and courageous battle for over 20 years. On May 11, 2024, Barb was gathered home to her Lord, where she heard the words: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant..enter into Thy rest.” She leaves behind to mourn her loss, her husband, Joel; her beloved children, Allyson (Tyler) Ophoff, Meghan (Dylan) Speet, and Ethan (fiancee Megan Karsemeyer). Barb had three grandchildren whom she loved dearly: Lena, Brooks, and Freddie Ophoff, with the gift of another grandchild expected in the fall. Barb will be mourned by her parents, Jim and Barb Huizinga; siblings: Shari (Michael) Bosveld, Julie (Brad) Schwarz, Brenda (Shon) Griess, Susann (Vance) Grasman, Tom (Kristin) Huizinga, Sara (Brad) Schipper, and Laura Huizinga; parents-in-law, Gord and Hermina Vink; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Christopher (Amy) Vink, Darren (Stephanie) Vink, and Daniel Vink; and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. Barb had many friends, but one in particular held a special place in her life, Sharla Moelker was Barb’s constant friend since childhood and will miss her greatly. She will especially be missed by her dear friends: Susi Layton, Susan Hoyles, Lee Brewer, and Lisa Buschser. Barb lived life to its fullest, she had diverse interests, but none were so great as her passion for her dogs. Barb discovered the Stabyhoun breed several years ago and quickly fell in love with the black and white silky beauties. Her current dogs, Leo and Prim, were her constant companions and a source of great joy to her. Barb made many friends in the Stabyhoun community. A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at Hope Protestant Reformed Church, 1580 Ferndale SW, Walker with Pastor Jonathan Mahtani officiating. A private burial will take place at River Bend Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Wednesday, May 15, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW, and on Thursday from 10-11 am at the church prior to the service. Donations in Barb’s memory may be made to Hope Protestant Reformed Christian School or to the Ameri-Can Stabyhoun Association.

Visitation
Wednesday, May 15
2:00pm - 4:00pm

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Visitation
Wednesday, May 15
6:00pm - 8:00pm

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Memorial Visitation
Thursday, May 16
10:00am - 11:00am

Hope Protestant Reformed Church
1580 Ferndale Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Get Directions

Memorial Service
Thursday, May 16
11:00am

Hope Protestant Reformed Church
1580 Ferndale Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Get Directions

Leave Your Tribute Message

May 14, 2024 10:57am
We met Barb while we were mutually walking our dogs. She was very friendly and welcoming. Often waving at us walking our dogs or driving by. Barb had an awesome smile. Our sympathies to her husband, children, grandchildren, and friends. We will and have missed seeing her smiling face. Mike and Sally Murphy ( neighbor)

- Sally Murphy

May 12, 2024 4:37pm
I met barb through our mutual love of dogs I am trying to become a full-time photographer and I had a photoshoot with her and her beloved Stabyhouns in fact this was the first time I had heard of the breed and absolutely loved working with her and learning so much about them. I was so lucky and honored to meet her. I send my condolences to Joel and the rest of the family.

- Abigail Henry

May 12, 2024 7:41am
I met Barb through our mutual love of Stabyhouns. I am so grateful to have had her in my life. She is an extremely special person to me. Condolences to Joel and the rest of her beautiful family. Love never ends.

- Susan Hoyles




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