Francine Busch

On Monday, July 21, 2025, Francine DeHaan Busch peacefully left her earthly body and entered her eternal home, safely in the arms of her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. After a life poured out in faithful service, she is now experiencing the fullness of joy in the presence of the One she loved most.

Francine was born on July 28, 1946, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Frank and Irene DeHaan—a devoted Christian family who taught her from the earliest days to love and serve Jesus. That legacy took deep root in her life and became the foundation of her every calling. Francine’s life was not defined by worldly ambition, but by her deep desire to love others well and serve them faithfully, wherever she was placed.

A lifelong West Michigan resident with a global heart, Francine possessed a rare gift for connection. Whether face-to-face or across oceans, she made people feel seen, known, and valued. Her joy was infectious, her creativity boundless, and her encouragement life-giving. She was a radiant listener, a gifted communicator, and a compassionate soul who always left you better than she found you.

Her official roles were many: preschool teacher, children’s ministry founder and leader, partner in full-time ministry alongside her beloved husband, grief counselor, board member, exchange student coordinator, writer, and curriculum developer. But it was her unofficial roles that defined her impact: trusted advisor, spiritual mother, faithful friend, joyful mentor, and tireless prayer warrior. She walked with the grieving, laughed with the joyful, and championed the discouraged. Her words and presence changed the course of many lives.

Francine lived by the truth of Joshua 24:14—“Fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness”—and breathed life into the command from Philippians 4 to “Rejoice always.” These weren’t just verses to her; they were her lived-out mission. She rejoiced in suffering, rejoiced in beauty, rejoiced in the smallest details of life—and taught others to do the same.

Perhaps her most treasured title was “Grammie.” She poured herself into her grandchildren—and into many others who found in her a spiritual grandmother and advocate. She urged them all to “not waste your life pursuing your own selfishness”—a charge they carry forward in her honor.

Francine was a lover of music, avid reader, lifelong learner, and an accomplished singer whose songs often uplifted and comforted those around her. She had a contagious sense of humor and an unshakable hope rooted in Christ. Her presence made a room warmer, and her love made the world gentler.

Francine is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband Ron; her parents, Frank and Irene DeHaan; and brothers, Gary and Dan (Penny) DeHaan. She leaves behind a legacy that stretches across generations and continents. She is deeply mourned and dearly remembered by her children: Douglas (Crystal) Busch, Michele (Phillip) Vigil, and Stephen (Trisha) Busch. Her cherished grandchildren—Claire “The Lovely” Bevill (Billy “The Brave”), Jack “The Handsome,” Jadon “The Wonderful,” and Lucas “The Joyful”—carry her spirit of joy, faith, and service into the world.

Francine lived a life that pointed others to Jesus. She loved with abandon, served with joy, and believed with all her heart that nothing was more important than helping others encounter the love of Christ. She has now heard the words she longed to hear her whole life: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

She will be missed beyond words—and remembered with joy, gratitude, and unending love.

A memorial service to celebrate Francine’s life and impact will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11am at the Maranatha Tabernacle on the campus of Maranatha Bible & Missionary Conference, 4759 Lake Harbor Rd., Norton Shores, MI 49441. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Saturday from 9:30-10:45 am prior to the service. Fellowship with family and friends will continue immediately following the service at the Sweet Shoppe on the Maranatha campus. Memorial gifts may be made to: Starlight Ministries, Camp Anew (a camp for grieving children), 4310 Baldwin St., Hudsonville, MI 49426 or the Maranatha Bible & Missionary Conference, 4759 Lake Harbor Rd., Norton Shores, MI 49441.

You can watch the service via this link.