Gladys Ritsema

Gladys I. Ritsema (Kloostra), age 97, of Jenison, was peacefully called to her heavenly home on Monday, May 18, 2026. She was born on April 22, 1929, to the late Gerrit and Sena Knoper in Grand Rapids, MI. 

She will be remembered as kind and fun loving, with a faith-filled heart where family was always most important. Following the loss of her first husband, Alfred Kloostra, she was blessed to find love again and married Albert, with whom she shared 43 wonderful years of marriage. Gladys enjoyed spending winters in Florida with friends, golfing, and camping, but above all, her love for her family and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was evident to all who knew her.

Gladys was preceded in death by her three siblings. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 43 years, Albert J.; children, Rex and Lou Ann Kloostra, Nancy and Randy Kraker; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Douglas and Connie Ritsema, Curt and Theresa Ritsema, Barb and John Steffens; 10 step-grandchildren; 14 step great-grandchildren; two step great-great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Bultema; and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff and caregivers of Sheldon Meadows and Corewell Health Hospice for all the love and compassionate care given to Gladys.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday, May 26, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with Pastor Ron Baker officiating. Burial will take place at Floral View Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Tuesday from 1-2 pm at the funeral home prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Corewell Health Hospice.