Shirley Ann Van Dyken

Shirley Ann Van Dyken, age 88, of Jenison, was peacefully called home into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Shirley was born in Grand Rapids to the late Albert and Theressa Oosterheert. She attended Grand Rapids Christian High School, where she met the love of her life, Jay, at a high school basketball game held at the Civic Auditorium.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Ron Oosterheert, and Bob Oosterheert; special nephew, Ryan Oosterheert; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; two nieces and one nephew. 

Shirley will be remembered for her caring and kind nature and was always concerned for the well-being of others, especially her family, with whom she shared a truly wonderful and close relationship. A perfectionist at heart, she took pride in everything she did and found joy in creative pursuits such as ceramics and knitting over the years. She lived with a servant’s heart, faithfully volunteering at her church and dedicating time to the Friendship Ministries, where her compassion and willingness to help others made a lasting impact on all who knew her.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 68 years, Jay Van Dyken; children, Cindy and Jim Slagter, Gary and Amy Van Dyken, Don and Joanne Van Dyken; grandchildren, Rebecca and TJ Bruggink, Matthew and Roxanne Slagter, Sarah and Ryan Dillon, Rachel and Mike Lanser, Erica and Trevor Plooster, Seth and Jordan Van Dyken; 12 great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Glenn and Betty Oosterheert; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Oosterheert, and Joyce Oosterheert; loving nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, at Messiah Christian Reformed Church, 2900 Springdale St., Hudsonville, with Pastor Nate Meldrim and Pastor Gale Tien officiating. The burial will take place at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Monday, March 23, from 5-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. An additional visitation will be held on Tuesday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Corewell Health Hospice or to a Christian school of one’s choice.