Mary Ellen Kern, age 52, of Grand Rapids, was called to her heavenly home on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. She was preceded in death by her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary and Ralph Kern. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 22 years, Jerry; children, Robert Gates, James Gates Jr.; grandchildren, Krystal, Fauna, Jacob, Kyra, Katelyn; parents, Bernard and Barbara Drent, Marylou Drent; brothers, Pete and Carol Drent, Butch and Connie Drent; sisters-in-law, Debbie, Diane, Ruth; brother-in-law, Steve Kern; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; her best friends, Terri, and Sandy. A visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Celebrate Recovery at New Community Church.