Ina Slendebroek Raredon Matz

Ina Matz, of Gaines Township, passed into eternal life with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 19, 2026.  Ina was born on November 12, 1949 in Smilde, The Netherlands.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Ann Slendebroek; brothers, Albert Slendebroek, Bill Slendebroek; sisters, Henny (Bill) Van Egmond, Grace Kooiman, and brother-in-law, George Pott. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Llyod Raredon. She is survived by her husband, Brian Matz; sons, Robert (Sara) Raredon, Timothy (Kristin) Raredon, and Ryan (Steve) Raredon; grandchildren, Ronald Todd, Bradley John, Ashley Joy, William Elijah, and Noah Robert Raredon; sisters, Fran (Fred) Hekstra, Elsie Pott; brother, Thomas Slendebroek and sister, Marianne (Don) Morrell; sister-in-law, Rika Slendebroek; many nieces and nephews.

Ina was a loving wife of almost 25 years to Brian John Matz, and a dedicated wife of over 20 years to Robert Lloyd Raredon. Beloved mother to her three boys and proud grandma to her five grandchildren.  Ina immigrated to the United States of America at the age of 2 when her parents courageously sought a better life for them and their children.  What a life it was.  Ina was a loving matriarch and a prayer warrior for those she loved.  Ina was active in her church Bible studies and had a heartfelt desire that everyone should know Jesus as Lord and Savior.  A proud graduate of South Christian High School, Ina spent many years as a hairdresser after putting herself through beauty school.  She was beloved by many regular customers over the years.  She would speak annually to middle school students new to America about her life as an immigrant. She volunteered to teach an English as a second language class for years.  She was an avid gardener and loved to feed the birds year-round. 

Funeral services will be held 11 am Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, with Rev. Josh Warren officiating.  Burial will be held at Blain Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Tuesday from 6-8 pm at the funeral home and from 10-11 am prior to the service.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to World Vision.