Obituary

Remembering Gayla D. VanderMolen

Gayla VanderMolen, age 64, of Grandville, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Gayla was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and friend. She enjoyed spending time with her grandkids. She also was an avid quilter and loved donating them to family, friends, and various causes. She loved researching her family history so that she could share where her family started and how they grew.  Gayla was preceded in death by her father, Harold Lankheet; sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Henry Bouwman. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 43 years, Andy; children, Nathan (Fig) and Rebecca VanderMolen, Julia VanderMolen, Jennifer VanderMolen; grandchildren, Lydia, Joanna, Samuel, and Timothy; mother, Lucille Lankheet; brothers, Dave Lankheet, Steve Lankheet, Kevin and Deanne Lankheet; sister, Ellyn and Mike Olney; brothers-in-law, Ken and Trudy VanderMolen, Dave and Ruth VanderMolen; sisters-in-law, Dori and Evan Heerema, Susan and Nico Damsteegt, Karla and Bill Zeilstra; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.  A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Monday, March 16 at First Byron Christian Reformed Church, 2480 85th St. SW, Byron Center, 49315 with Pastor Evan Heerema officiating.  Burial at Rosedale Memorial Park.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday from 2-5 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW.  In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Hudsonville Christian School Education Foundation.

Guestbook

Tribute Messages

Leave Your Tribute
Andy and family, I just learned of Gayla's passing and want to express my sympathy. Gayla and I worked together many years ago at FMB. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

— Russell Andre

Andy, we are so sorry to hear about Gayla. We hope God's grace will comfort you in these times. Del and Lynn Lankheet

— Del Lankheet

Dear Jennifer, My love, thoughts, and prayers go out to you and your family during this time of loss. When I saw you at your mother’s visitation last Sunday it was clear your mother was a very special lady! Seeing you surrounded by family and loved ones also assures me you will make it through this unexpected and difficult time. I loved seeing all your mother’s quilts and the many photos! It gave me a glimpse of just how special she was. Memories of her love and special moments together are her gifts to you forever! God’s healing blessings to you and yours, always!

— Patricia Tergerson

Andy & Family I am sadden for the passing of your wife and mother, may you all find strength and love in each other and trust that God holds her and each of you in his loving arms. with Sympathy Carla

— Carla Gaunichaux

Andy and family, We want to express our deep sympathy to you and your family in Gayla's death. Due to our recent travels and the coronavirus, we decided we should stay home. We are praying for God's comfort and peace for you and your family. Jack and Jane Nyenhuis

— JACK NYENHUIS

Nathan and family First off I am so sorry to hear about this. She was such a wonderful woman and I was lucky to have known her. I am sorry I am not able to be there to pay my respects in person but know I am thinking of you all and will keep you in my prayers. Remember all the good times.

— Brian De Young

Dear Andy and family, So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that others are thinking and praying for you and your family during this difficult time. My deepest sympathy to you.

— Sandy DeBruine

Dear Ellyn and all the Family of Gayla, We are so sorry to hear of Gayla's passing. We hope you will find comfort in the memories you have of a fine woman too soon gone. - Maren and Steve Channer

— Maren and Steve Channer

To the family, my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Please find comfort in the knowledge that God promises to end all suffering. Before long, God will wipe out every tear from our eyes, and “death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things (will) have passed away.”(Rev. 21:3,4). May this promise from God give you comfort now and a real hope for the future. My deepest sympathy.

— Mary

Dear Andy and family, Gord and I were so sorry to hear about Gayla’s death. Our paths crossed many times when she took her mother to our lake home. She was a very giving and caring person. I know you will all miss her so much. Especially that great smile of hers. Just know we care and will pray for all of you. We are in CA and will not be there for the funeral. So sorry. God give you peace! Marge and Gord

— Gord and Marge Nederveld

Leave a Tribute

Share a message with the family

Order Flowers

Send Flowers for Gayla

Honor Gayla with a floral arrangement delivered through Love Knots Floral.

Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement

$100 + $15 Delivery Fee

Thinking of You Basket

$40 + $15 Delivery Fee

Stargazer Garden

$78 + $15 Delivery Fee

Stargazer Easel Spray

$150 + $15 Delivery Fee

Sincere Sympathy Garden

$55 + $15 Delivery Fee

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

$30 + $15 Delivery Fee

Remembrance Easel Spray

$175 + $15 Delivery Fee

Natures Glory

$55 + $15 Delivery Fee

Loving Embrace

$60 + $15 Delivery Fee

Gerbera Greetings

$50 + $15 Delivery Fee

Colorful Memories Wreath

$315 + $15 Delivery Fee

Classic Sympathy

$65 + $15 Delivery Fee

Blooming Duo

$60 + $15 Delivery Fee

Bells of Beauty

$130 + $15 Delivery Fee

Beautiful Memories

$175 + $15 Delivery Fee

Beautiful Blessings Wreath

$240 + $15 Delivery Fee

Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.