Idelle Marguerite Gabrielse

Idelle Marguerite (Ruiter) Gabrielse, age 91 of Wyoming, Michigan, passed into her heavenly home March 9, 2022. She was born on a farm in Chicago Heights, Illinois March 4, 1931 to Thomas and Mentie Ruiter. Idelle was the fourth of six children. Idelle was a graduate of llliana Christian High and Calvin College, where she received a teaching certificate and met her husband, Richard S. Gabrielse of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The two were married in 1951. They lived in Canada and Kentucky before settling in Wisconsin where they had four children: Linda, Thomas, Laurel, and Michael. They moved to Michigan in 1964. Richard and Idelle also lived in Massachusetts and Florida. They retired to Spring Lake, Michigan.

Wherever she lived, Idelle's many interests and abilities included cooking, baking, sewing, gardening, reading, lots of travel, and involvement in church and Christian school ministries. Idelle was a follower of Jesus and loved her Savior. Idelle was known for her "open heart, open home" hospitality and for being a "second home" to many.

Idelle was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; son, Thomas; and four siblings. She is survived by sister, Joyce Fennema (Jerry); daughters Linda Gabrielse, Laurel Edwards (Bruce); "daughters" Megan Harding (David) and Anne-Merete Welcher (Kai Aabrandt); son, Michael Gabrielse (Jane); daughter-in-law, Jodi Gabrielse-Springstead (Luke); nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. Friday, March 25 at Cook Funeral Home, 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, MI. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26 at First Byron Christian Reformed Church, 8541 Byron Center Ave. SW, Byron Center, MI.

The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresbyron.com.