Rita Lee Steenwyk

Rita Lee Steenwyk passed away on May 2, 2025. She was born in Nunica, Michigan on November 16, 1933 to parents Garrett and Hazel VanLoozenoord. Rita attended Sigsbee Oral School for the Deaf in Grand Rapids, MI, then later the Flint School for the Deaf where she graduated at eighth grade.

Rita’s work experience included filing at various offices and also office cleaning. Rita was also involved with several deaf social groups, local and out of state.

She enjoyed reading, cats, flowers, travel, camping, and mail order shopping. Rita was a collector of various items of interest – new recipes, comic strips, stamps, books, and clothing. Her dining room window sills were lined up with dancing solar-powered characters (music to her eyes!).

Later in life, Rita came to have a deeper walk with and love for the Lord and supported many charities.

Preceding her in death are her parents Garrett and Hazel VanLoozenoord and brother and sister-in-law, Wendal and Ruth VanLoozenoord.

Surviving family members include husband of 70 years, Edward Steenwyk; daughter, Nancy A. Winter; sons Paul Steenwyk and Marvin Steenwyk; five grandchildren; sister, Mary (Gilbert) Branagan; brothers Kenneth (Glenice) VanLoozenoord, Adrian (Joan) VanLoozenoord, Gordon (Sharon) VanLoozenoord, Dennis (Kathy) VanLoozenoord; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, with visitation from 10-11 a.m. prior to service. There will be a luncheon following the service at noon and graveside service at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial contribution to Grand Rapids First Assembly of God – Deaf Ministry, 2100 44th St. SW, Wyoming, MI 49519. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.