Kathy Jo VanderMarkt, age 69, of Athens, Alabama passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 9, 2026. 

Kathy spent many years as a dedicated school bus driver for both Jenison Public Schools and Athens Area Schools, where she was known for her caring nature and warm smile. She was a loving and generous mother and grandmother who found joy in cooking and baking for those she loved. Kathy also cherished spending time outdoors, especially tending to her garden, where she found peace and happiness. 

She was preceded in death by her son, Eric VanderMarkt; grandson, Josiah VanderMarkt; and parents, LaVern and Kathryn Ouding. Kathy will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 43 years Bob VanderMarkt; children, Jeff (Katie) VanderMarkt, Melissa Bonavia, Robert VanderMarkt; grandchildren: Kailey Bonavia, Kristina Bonavia, Daniel Bonavia, Makenzie VanderMarkt, Grant VanderMarkt, Amelia VanderMarkt; siblings, Bev (Steve) Allen, Bruce (Cherie)  Ouding, Tom (Sheila) Ouding, Robin (Phil) Ipema; nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service will be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Cremation will take place per Kathy's wishes. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Wednesday from 5-7 pm at the funeral home prior to the service. The family would like to thank the staff at Commonwealth Senior Living and CorsoCare Hospice for their care of Kathy. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to CorsoCare Hospice.