Obituary

Remembering Gladys Irene Gritter

Gladys Irene Gritter, age 98, of Kentwood went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, March 4, 2022. Gladys was born on July 23, 1923 in Hawarden, Iowa to Fred and Ida Kooi. After growing up on a farm, she proudly served her country in the Navy Waves during WWII. While in service she met her husband, George, to whom she was married for almost 65 years. Gladys was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who cherished being with her family. She participated in a wide range of activities. She loved her church, first Kelloggsville CRC, later Ideal Park CRC, and was a ladies Bible study leader and Sunday school teacher. She wrote a great number of poems, many of which were published. Painting was another hobby, along with numerous crafts. Mom loved acting and was a member of many groups that performed comedy skits throughout Grand Rapids. At the Holland Home she launched a yearly talent show put on by the residents. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, visiting the birthplaces of many of our presidents and spending many winters in Florida. Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, George in 2011, and her son, Ken in 2021. She is survived by her children: Bob and Ruth Gritter, Cindy and Vincent Gargagliano, Judy and Jim Kleinwolterink, and daughter-in-law, Mari Gritter; 11 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; siblings: Clarence (Marie) Kooi, Stanley Kooi, Glenn (Patricia) Kooi, Irene Kooi Chadwick, and Mildred Kooi; brothers-in-law: John Peterson and Bill Gritter; sisters-in-law: Marilyn Waanders and Carole (Geof) Gaiser. Funeral services will be held 11 am Saturday, March 12 at Raybrook Manor, 2121 Raybrook SE, Grand Rapids with Rev. Chris Bouma officiating. Burial Pine Hill Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Saturday from 10-11 am prior to the service at Raybrook Manor. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Holland Home or Ideal Park CRC.

Service Information

Visitation and Funeral Details

Visitation

Saturday, March 12 · 10:00am - 11:00am

Location

Holland Home Raybrook Manor Chapel

2121 Raybrook SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Funeral Service

Saturday, March 12 · 11:00am

Location

Holland Home Raybrook Manor Chapel

2121 Raybrook SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Guestbook

Tribute Messages

Leave Your Tribute
Joel and Jen, Erica, Anne, and Hope, We are so sorry for your loss of your Grandma and Great Grandma Gritter. I really enjoyed meeting her. I loved her zest for living, her energy, and her interest in others. I think of her when I write things down to remember people and places. Thankful for her service to our country. Hugs in the missing and celebrating our SURE HOPE of Heaven with Jesus. Much love, Karen and Ray, Andrew, Austin Greenland

— Karen Greenland

Dear ones, We loved Aunt Gladys. She was a truly good person and a lovely Aunt. Our hearts are with you all

— The Peter and Donna Kooi family

Cindy and Vincent, so sorry for your loss of a wonderful mother and grandmother. So many wonderful memories. Condolences to your entire family. Hugs.

— Jan Scott

Leave a Tribute

Share a message with the family

Order Flowers

Send Flowers for Gladys

Honor Gladys 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.

Send Meals

Send Meals for Gladys Gritter

When someone is experiencing grief, a delicious warm healthy meal is a wonderful way to show support and comfort. Through this simple act of giving, you can help ease one of the burdens your friend or family member faces during the weeks and months following the loss of their loved one.

Show them how much you care with meals from Memorial Meals.

Order Memorial Meals