Ila Mae VanderKolk

Ila Mae (Tripp) VanderKolk, 83, of Grand Rapids, passed peacefully at home after an extended illness. Ila was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to many.

Born in Spring Lake, Michigan in 1937, Ila was the third of four children born to Roscoe and Ruth Tripp. It was a musical family. Ila played cello and loved to sing with her sisters. In high school they formed a trio called the Tripp Sisters, singing at many congregations and community events. They made two records.

In high school Ila met her first love and husband, Jerry Dillinger. In 1966 they moved to Honduras to become directors of Las Americas Academy. Later they created a ministry for young people, started a church, and ministered to those struggling with substance abuse. Ila also taught English. Their home was always open.

Upon returning to West Michigan, Ila earned her master’s degree in education. She became an integral member of the South Kent Community Education team and Godfrey-Lee schools, where she led the development of programs for English language learners. She was a trusted and caring support to students and families new to the United States.

Following Jerry’s death, Ila met the second great love of her life, Donald VanderKolk. As her family doubled in size, so too did Ila’s love for all her children and grandchildren.

Throughout her life Ila faithfully prayed for all she knew and loved. Even in the midst of her own difficulties, she remained a loving support for anyone in need. Wherever she lived, her home and her heart were always open.

Ila was preceded in death by her first husband, Jerry; daughter, Sheri; stepdaughter, Carrie; stepson, Don; sister, Lucy Kieft; brother, Jim Tripp. She is survived by husband, Don VanderKolk; sister, Marge Taylor; sons, Dan (Jackie) Dillinger and Randy Dillinger; stepdaughter, Vicki (Bob) McCollum; step daughter-in-law, Sarah VanderKolk; stepsons Randy (Bethany) VanderKolk and David VanderKolk; 15 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 11 am on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Calvary Baptist Church, 1200 28th Street S.E., Grand Rapids.

Relatives and friends may meet the family on Saturday from 10 am to 11 am at the church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Ila’s memory to:

- Head and Neck Molecular Monitoring Fund at the University of Michigan: https://victors.us/ ilavanderkolk or send a check made to “University of Michigan” and sent to the Michigan Medicine Office of Development, 1000 Oakbrook Dr., Ste. 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

- Calvary Baptist Church, 1200 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids.