Ross Jon Holtrop, age 72, of Grand Rapids, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness and was called to his heavenly home on Sunday, June 25, 2017. He was preceded in death by parents, Rudy and Edna Holtrop; and his wife, Barb Holtrop. Ross was a loving and devoted man of faith and family. He was a lifelong educator who found great joy in supporting and helping others. He will be lovingly remembered by his beloved life companion, Karol Wareck; his children, Melissa and Andy Sugden, Emily Holtrop (Mike Agricola), Alissa and Stephen Huggins, Ryan and Melanie Coil; his grandchildren, Reagan and Maddox Coil, Sadie and Levi Harris; father-in-law, Bruce Billger; his sister, Marge Huffman; his nieces and nephew, Katherine and Rodney Lucas, Sarah and David Wieker, Jordan and Erin Huffman. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 29, at 11 a.m. at Calvary Church, 707 E. Beltline NE, Grand Rapids, with Pastors Josh Mateer and Jordan Huffman officiating.  Interment Rosedale Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday, June 28, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW and Thursday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Gilda’s Club or Blandford Nature Center.