Ardis Doezema of Shelbyville died Tuesday, Jan. 2. She was 85.
Ardis was born in Hopkins on Sept. 27, 1938, and she graduated from Hopkins Public School becoming the Queen of Hopkins in her senior year. In 1957, she married Willis Doezema, and was wed 64 years. Together they had five children.
She was a member of Martin Reformed Church her whole life, serving as a Sunday School teacher, catechism teacher, and was happy to be active in the Women’s Guild and other activities for many years. She also served on various committees and events in the East Martin Christian School.
Ardis devoted her life to taking care of her family. She enjoyed children, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Known for her gift of talking, she enjoyed visiting with people, making friends wherever she went. She hosted more “coffee times” than could be counted and her door was always open to those who stopped by.
Ardis also was an advocate for the Right to Life, marching in Washington DC for the protection of unborn children. During the last six months of her life, she was was cared for by staff and residents of Allegan County Medical Care Community, who became like a second family to her.
Ardis is survived by her children: Bill and Janet Doezema, Dale and Joan Doezema, Carol and Charles Jager, Brenda and Kevin Marsman, Frank and Melissa Doezema; grandchildren: Sam Doezema, Jake Terpstra, Adam and Kelsey Terpstra, Hope Doezema, Katie Doezema, Kristin and Daniel Cadiz, Kayla and Levi Smith, Austin Marsman, Travis Marsman, Jenna Marsman, Sydney Doezema, Trentyn Doezema, Cole Doezema, Brodie Doezema including honorary grandchildren: Vincent Karweik, Celia (Karweik) Dull, Ellie (Karweik) Starr; great-grandchildren: Willow Terpstra, Ezra and Joel Cadiz, Koy Starr, and Memphis Karweik; her siblings: Pearl and Ray Bronkhorst, Leon Lodenstein, Jan and Dave Williams, Dave and Pat Lodenstein, Clare and Julie Lodenstein, Joann Lodenstein, Sharon VanWeerdhuizen, Chuck and Jane Zuverink; in-laws: Bruce and Donna Doezema, John VanGoor, and Bob and Pat Doezema; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Ardis was preceded in death by her husband, Willis; her parents, Herm and Lilly and siblings Marion, Howard, Carl, Calvin and Paul.
Friends are invited to gather with the family to remember and share their memories from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, at Martin Reformed Church, 1073 W. Allegan St. Ardis’ memorial service also will be at the church at 2 p.m., followed by a “coffee time” with fellowship and light refreshments. Pastor Matt Hendricks will be officiating. A private Inurnment will be at a later date at East Martin Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Positive Options, 339 S. River Avenue, Holland, MI 49423 (a pregnancy resource center serving Allegan County) or Martin Reformed Church Preschool (tuition assistance), 1073 W. Allegan St.
