Mary Lou Besteman

Mary Lou had a strong Christian faith, a servant's heart, and was a dear friend to all who knew her. She was a devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who are forever grateful for her love and guidance in our lives.

Mary Lou was born June 4, 1941. She graduated from Lee High School where she had many friends and met her loving husband, Ron. Together they raised their four children in Grandville. Ron owned RBT Transport and Mary Lou worked in the office helping run the business. She loved having her kids and all their friends over to hang out; she was always ready with snacks of pop and pizza for them to enjoy!

Mary Lou had a tremendous talent for sewing and embroidering many things. She made beautiful baby blankets, quilts, and outfits for her grandchildren, pillows for the holidays, and many mug hug coasters for her friends. She truly loved making things for others!

Mary Lou and Ron enjoyed many summers boating in Holland on their boat, “Summer Traffic,” and took many friends and family along for rides. They moved to Suttons Bay where they made new friends while enjoying their retirement life in northern Michigan.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Besteman, to whom she was married for 55 years; parents John and Gertrude Jipping; daughter, Michelle Schilthroat; and granddaughter, Emily Siereveld. Mary Lou will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her children Kimberly (Mike) Cline, Dawn Besteman, and Scott (Heidi) Besteman; 13 grandchildren Rachel (Justin) Stadt, Kyle (Lauren) Eriks Cline, Trevor (Kailey) Cline, Josh (Liz) Cisler, Anna (Nate) Forbes, Dan Cisler, Jeffrey Siereveld, Jackie (Mike) Loux, Cody (Taylor) Besteman, Luke (Lindsay) Besteman, Drew Besteman, and Summer (Jared) Zimmerman; and 21 precious great-grandchildren; sister, Linda Cole; brother, John Jipping Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Faith Hospice and Byron Manor for all the wonderful love and care they gave to our mother.

A celebration of life visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026 at First Reformed Church Grandville, 3060 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville, MI 49418. A private graveside burial with family will take place at Grandville Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Mary Lou may be made to Faith Hospice or Alzheimer’s Association. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.