Betty Ann Kersjes (Collins)

Betty Ann Kersjes (Collins), aged 91 of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully at Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods in Byron Center, MI on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. She was born May 15, 1928 in Pasadena, CA to William and Elizabeth Collins. At the age of 12, Betty came to visit her Aunt Leona and Uncle Tom in Grand Rapids, MI and decided to stay. She attended grade school at St. Francis Xavier and Catholic Central High School. She was a member of St. Francis where she also served in the Altar Society and served many roles at the church. She was a member of The Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Grand Rapids, MI and the Al-Anon North Club. Betty enjoyed her time with family, friends and sewing.  Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, John James Kersjes; and her brother, Michael Thomas Collins of Clifton, TX. She is survived by her six children: Joseph, Mary Kay (Tim) Matthews of Clinton Township, Bill (Laura), Steve (Yvonne), Jerry, Jack (Kathy); seven grandchildren: Colleen and Maggie Matthews, Emile (David) VandenBerg, Bethany and Nate Kersjes, Matt and Mike Kersjes; two great-grandchildren, Wesley and Hudson VandenBerg; sisters-in-law: Mary (Donald) Karpinski, Helen Kersjes, Kathy Collins; brother-in-law, Joe Kersjes. The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital (7-North) and Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods of Byron Center.  A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, July 22, at 10:00 am at The Cathedral of Saint Andrew, 301 Sheldon Blvd. SE, Grand Rapids, with the Very Rev. Rene Constanza presiding. Inurnment Woodlawn Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming, on Sunday, July 21, from 6-8 pm with a Rosary Service at 7:30 pm and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods, The Cathedral of Saint Andrew, or a charity of one’s choice.