Mary Ella Evans

Mary Evans, age 89, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Mary Dursema; husband, Bill Evans; brother, David Dursema; and grandson, Drew Riebel. She is survived by her children Nancy (Rick) Steenbergen, Richard Evans, Joyce (Larry Erhardt Jr.) Evans; grandchildren Jill (Matt) Arim, Julie (Mike) Bond, and Will Riebel; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mary was born and raised in Fremont, Michigan, but lived most of her life in the Jenison/Grandville area. She was married to her husband Bill for 70 years before he passed away. Mary worked 42 years in various office jobs before retirement. She loved the color purple, and you could tell that by what she wore and by the decor in her home. She was given the name “Purple Gram” by the first graders in her granddaughter's classroom when she read books to them always wearing purple. Mary was very crafty and made beautiful things. She was always looking for new craft ideas wherever she went. During their winters in Florida, she taught the ladies group different projects and took senior citizen college courses for fun. Some of the things Mary loved to do were knitting and crocheting, traveling, going to plays, and shopping (especially thrift store shopping). Mary was a good cook and loved trying new recipes for family gatherings. Mary enjoyed the time she spent with many clubs and organizations over her lifetime. For over 50 years, they also enjoyed summers at their cottage on Pickerel Lake in Newaygo. As a longtime member of Zion Reformed Church, she loved and served the Lord in her own quiet way.

The family would like to thank the staff at Rose Garden for their loving care of Mary.

Visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, Michigan. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2025 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), with visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to service. Those who wish may make a memorial contribution to Ladders of Hope Food Pantry. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.