Myrtle Bakale

Mrs. Myrtle Jean Bakale, age 85, of West Olive, passed away Monday, November 23, 2020, at home surrounded by family. She is now reunited with her husband, John; and granddaughter, Lindsey Ann, while walking the glorious streets of heaven with her best friend, Jesus. She was born January 8, 1935, to Corrie and Ida (Elzinga) Bosch. Myrt enjoyed accomplishing many things in life and took pride in her work and family. Out of high school after graduating from Holland Christian, she was hired at Holland Furnace where she quickly went from being in the secretary pool to overseeing the department. Myrt was meticulous and detail oriented and took great pride in her work and had an outstanding work ethic. Myrt married the love of her life John David Bakale Sr. on January 25, 1960. Shortly after, she became John’s head bookkeeper and secretary. Together they built a large wholesale nursery and Christmas tree farm, Northland Evergreens Inc. and Northland Christmas Tree Company, Inc. Myrt was considered a precious soul with a heart for Jesus and an absolutely kind and caring spirit thinking of others before herself. That was just her way. Her greatest joy in life was her children. Church involvement and spending time with her family brought her the most happiness. It could be making tea for kitchen time with the girls or a big celebration for the Holiday; it didn’t matter as long as Myrt was with her family. She will be missed more than words can express by her children, John (Rebecca) Bakale, Tom ( MariJo) Bakale, and Ann Marie (David) Marsman; grandchildren, John David (Stephanie) Bakale III, Heather (Justin) Ulberg, Nicole Jean Bakale and friend, Jason, Amanda (Brian) Bork, Sara Bakale, Rachel Bakale, Grace Ann Marsman; great-grandchildren, Bentley John, Eden Ann, and Gibson Paul Bakale, Rowyn Cade, and Kason Philip Ulberg, Rosie Imogene, and Jakob Medley Bork. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2020, at 11 a.m. at LifeTree Community Church, 10933 Lake Michigan Dr., West Olive. A private family graveside service will take place in Lake Forest Cemetery following the funeral service. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday, November 27, from 4-7 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 6651 Scott St., Allendale. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be a limit to the number of people allowed in the building at one time. An additional visitation will be held on Saturday from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions in honor of Myrt Bakale may be given to Geneva Camp and Retreat Center, 3995 Lakeshore Drive North, Holland, MI 49424.