Ruth “Shelley” Vander Meer, age 77, of Grand Rapids, entered her heavenly home on January 12, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerrit and Ariel Van Belkum, and her brothers Roger, Jerry, and George Van Belkum.
Shelley is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Ronald, and their children and spouses: Becky (Chad) Simkins, Tracy (Ross) Todd, and Jason (Aime) Vander Meer. She was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren: Jared (Slone), Jacob, Joshua, Jackson Simkins; Brayden, Landen, McKenzie Todd; and Brinley and Dawson Vander Meer.
She is also survived by her brother Nick Van Belkum (Delores), sister Ariel Hallock (Gary), sister-in-law Carol Strain (Craig), and several nieces and nephews.
Shelley loved the Lord and her church. She had a passion for watching sports, gardening, reading, knitting, and attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and musical programs. She will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.
The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors and nurses in the ICU at Corewell Health Downtown for their care and compassion.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.
Funeral Service will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM at New Community Church, 2340 Dean Lake Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. A luncheon will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Shelley’s name to Community Recovery through New Community Church.
