Virginia Sietsema

Virginia “Ginny” Sietsema slipped peacefully into the arms of Jesus on July 2, 2025. She fiercely loved her family and is survived by her husband of 61 years, Marv; children, Jeff and Jackie Sietsema, Mike and Sherry Sietsema, Debbie and Todd Meindertsma, Doug and Kalene Sietsema, Rusty and Jill Sietsema; 17 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, nieces and nephews, and many friends. Ginny adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren! Besides being the “call me first” babysitter, she and Marv took many of them on trips, hosted sleepovers, attended countless extracurricular activities, and found various ways to let them know how much they loved them. A highlight for the family was the annual “Sietsema Camping Trip” where Ginny spent special time with the grandkids hosting “camp school” and teaching them about the love of Jesus. Ginny traveled extensively-she drove to Alaska and visited all 50 states and much of Canada. In recent years, she and Marv spent much of the winter in Texas and made numerous friends there. She was a special education aide at Allendale Public Schools before spending 25 years as a  secretary in the BioMedical Health Sciences department at GVSU. Ginny also enjoyed teaching Sunday School at her church as well as putting on the annual Sietsema Christmas program “The Grand Gift” that she wrote, directed, and shared with her church. Amidst all these activities, Ginny also found time to be an avid gardener, piano player, and seamstress. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Coopersville Reformed Church, 423 W. Randall St., with Rev. Richard VanDop officiating. Burial will take place at Allendale Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Sunday, July 6 from 4-7 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Allendale) 6651 Scott St. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Keys for Kids Ministries (formerly CBH).