Anita (Ribbens)  Bratt

Bratt, Anita (Ribbens) Anita (Ribbens) Bratt, aged 93, passed into eternal life on October 9, 2014. She was a faithful servant of Christ, a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother. Born in Sheboygan, WI to Theunis and Gertrude Ribbens, she graduated from Calvin College, taught at Southwest Christian School, married Bert Bratt of Holland, MI in 1945, and they raised a family of five children while Bert taught at Oakdale Christian School. Anita served her Lord at Fuller Ave. CRC in many roles and set an example of dedicated community service through Bible Study Fellowship, the FISH transportation program, and Meals at Home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bert; their infant daughter, Judy; son-in-law, Marvin Meyer; brothers, Anthony and William Ribbens; and many brothers- & sisters-in-law. She is survived by her children, Ken & Laurel (Strikwerda) Bratt, Bonnie Meyer, James & Tina (Bruinsma) Bratt, Joy Monsma, Barb & Sam Vander Ploeg; 26 grandchildren: Christy & Travis, Steve & Lauren, Jessica & Jonathan, Peter & Susan, Suzanne, Justin & Sarah, Tim & Sarah, Jon, Greg & Emily, David, Ben & Jena, Beth, Eric & Tiffany, Rob, Ryan, Kyle, and Nathan; as well as two great-granddaughters: Naomi and Rosalie; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by brother, Ted Ribbens and sisters, Frances Van Baak, Marge Cramer, Charlotte (Adrian) Kaashoek, and Clarice Ribbens. Friends may greet the family on Friday, October 17 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Kentwood. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. in the Raybrook Chapel of Holland Home, 2121 Raybrook SE, with an hour of visitation before the service. The family gives special thanks to all who work at Holland Home (Raybrook) for their loving care of our parents over many years. Memorial gifts may be made to the Grand Rapids Christian School Association, Holland Home, or Fuller Ave. Christian Reformed Church.