Alma Lois VanderWal (Mekkes)

Alma Lois VanderWal passed away at her home in Byron Center with family by her side, Thursday, February 25, 2016. She is now reunited with her parents, Albert and Alice Mekkes, and her husband, Edward VanderWal. Alma will be lovingly remembered by her children, Larry (Donna) VanderWal, Sherri (Gordon) Schutter, Mark (Kay) VanderWal, Rebecca (James) Noel; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Kenneth (Lily) Mekkes and Mildred Perkins; Edward’s brothers, Bill-deceased (Lorraine) VanderWal and Jim (Hilda) VanderWal. Alma was a loving foster mother to 19 children before adopting the last one into her family. She was an avid traveler and enjoyed taking family members with her on these trips. She will be remembered for her beautiful red hair and the fun she brought to all who knew her. A private service will be held Monday morning at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.