Norma Buys

Norma Jean Buys (nee Dandrow), age 88, of Jenison passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. She is joyfully in the arms of her Lord. Norma Jean was the daughter of Earl and Corinne Dandrow of Grandville. Norma graduated from Grandville High School in 1950 and Mercy Central School of Nursing in 1953. Norma worked as a Registered Nurse for St. Mary’s Hospital, Dr. Willis Dixon in Grand Rapids, as well as Zeeland Hospital. Norma Jean married Roger H. Buys on June 18, 1954. They shared a loving marriage of 61 years. They truly loved being together each day. Norma led a full and happy life focused on her family. She was a loving, devoted, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, and was an Elite member of Princess Cruises. Norma Jean was preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia Jean Smeelink in 1980; her husband, Roger Henry Buys in 2015; and her great-granddaughter, Hope Wamhoff. She is survived by her children, Beth and Grant Senner of Hana, Maui, Hawaii; Lori and Roy Phillipi of Hamilton, Michigan; Richard and Julia Buys of Dorr, Michigan. Norma Jean is also survived by her grandchildren: Lindsay and Paul Wamhoff; Allison Buys; Molly, Peri, Lukas, Logan, and Avery Phillipi; great granddaughter, Ellie Christine Wamhoff. Private funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at 1 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with Rev. Harvey Heneveld officiating. The burial will take place at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. The family especially thanks Shirley Block of Help@Home, as well as Sydney and Megan and their team at Spectrum Hospice for their loving and compassionate care of Norma Jean. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Norma’s name.