Brenda Banga

Brenda Lee Banga, age 86, of Byron Center, MI, peacefully went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, surrounded by her family. Brenda was born on June 11, 1940, to John and Florence (Houtsinger) Banga in Kenosha, WI. She grew up in Racine, WI, with her parents and two younger sisters. She fulfilled her dream of becoming a teacher after graduating from Calvin College in 1962 and earning her Master of Arts from Michigan State University in 1975. Her teaching career lasted 40 years and many students from Ripon (CA) Christian School, Jenison (Ml) Christian School, and Calvin Christian High School (Grandville, Ml) learned English under her tutelage. After her retirement in 2002, Brenda spent time with her family, her friends, and her faith family at lvanrest Church.

Her parents and two brothers-in-law preceded her in death. She is survived by her two sisters, Sharon (John) Rosendall and Mardell Dennison; her nieces and nephews, Renee (Gino) Roybal, John Rosendall Jr. (Beth), Jayme (Jason) Thompson, Amy (Kevin) Soodsma, Dale (Kim) Dennison, Philip (Desiree) Rosendall, Dan (Adrienne) Dennison; and many loving great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff at The Oaks at Byron Center and Emmanuel Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Brenda over the past several months.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Ivanrest Church, 3777 Ivanrest Ave. SW, Grandville, with Pastor Brandon Haan officiating. The burial will take place at Rosedale Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Friday from 10-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Memorial contributions in Brenda's memory may be made to the Grandville Calvin Christian School Foundation or World Renew.