Sherlene McKay

May 13, 1936 ~
January 8, 2021

Sherlene McKay passed away unexpectedly on January 8, 2021. A Christian woman, she was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister. She was preceded in death by husband of 46 years, Thomas McKay; infant son, Duane Vander Wood; stepdaughter, Doreen Frelitz; brothers-in-law, Robert and Roger McKay; great-grandson, Jaden Montcalm; and stepgrandson, Brian Moralez. She will be lovingly remembered by children, David and Deborah Vander Wood, Pam and Todd Bursley, Doug and Sue Vander Wood, brother and sister-in-law, Melvin and Connie Vander West; sister-in-law, Nancy Dewey; stepchildren, Denise and Marty Moralez and Diane Williams; 20 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren. A private graveside service will be held at Washington Park Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Salvation Army.

Leave Your Tribute Message

November 01, 2021

Tom and Shrelene were really great friends I went to their home today in Grand haven and found out what happened. I worked with Sherlene at the hotel for years, I will really miss her she helped me through a lot in my life and I wish I could have been there for her. So thankful that I got to know her and now she is will my daughter and grandson.respect54

- Bonnie Isenhoff

January 12, 2021

Watching my Grandparents as a child with so much excitement and joy to go see them. They made our holidays something special. As an adult my relationship grew into something of a friendship going to dinner and having some drinky poos. My Grandma made the best slushies and she probably would be calling me by my full name right now if she new I said something like that out loud. I also had the opportunity to see my Grandma in a whole new light these past few months. I watched as she took the greatest of care of my Grandpa in his declining health. I watched her unshakable faith even in the moments that made her sad or angry. I was able to witness the sweetest moments of my grandparents kissing each other good-night, making sure they said their prayers and saying "I love you". I watched her as she would stand tall taking home to the hospital every week, making sure he ate, listening, talking even though that became difficult at the end. She believed he would get better and when he passed I believe a part of her heart went with him. She was still strong, still loved on us till the very end. My heart believes that my Grandpa and Jesus missed her too much so she had to go to Heaven. I will miss her dearly. We will all miss her dearly. I miss them both so much, but I know I will see them both again. It is only hard for those left behind. I can hear my Grandpa telling a joke right now and my Grandma saying "Thomas stop" and laughing. I can only hope I can be half the lady my Grandma because was the most exquisite lady I have ever had the privilege to know. I love you and I will miss you!

- Jennifer L VanderWood

January 12, 2021

My Grandma was quite the lady. She taught me to be strong, but kind, to listen to your heart and speak your truth. She took the grandchildren to the cabin in Lakeview that my Grandpa built during the summer and have so many fond memories. Her life was her family, her kids, her grandkids, her great and great great and my Grandpa. They made our holidays special and you could see how much they loved each other.

- Jennifer L VanderWood