She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard J. Goorhouse. Mary Jane will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Cheryl (Ken) Zylstra, Mary (Pat) DeRuiter; grandchildren Kimberly (Jeremy) Scherer, Nathan (Marcy) Zylstra, Brad (Fleur) Zylstra, Brenda (Bob) Stewart, Corey (Candice) DeRuiter, Lindsey (Chad) Reil, Ashley (Matthew) Bierema; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Irene Vegter; sister-in-law, Jeneane Goorhouse; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Mary Jane worked alongside her husband, Howard, on their dairy farm where they raised their two daughters. She shared her love of sewing by teaching 4-H sewing classes and making clothes for her daughters, grandchildren, and her own beautiful square dancing dresses. Howard and Mary Jane spent many wonderful years square dancing together and made many lifelong friendships. A visit with Mary Jane was rarely complete without a puzzle, a warm cup of tea, and a sweet treat. She had a quiet and gentle way of loving her family and was truly the heart of the family. Her love, wisdom, strength, and presence will forever be treasured by all who knew her. Mary Jane leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love that will continue through all those she loved and all those who loved her. We find comfort and peace in knowing that she is now in the loving arms of Jesus and reunited with her beloved husband, Howard.
A time for relatives and friends to visit with Mary Jane's family will be held from 4-7 p.m. Monday, September 14, 2026 at Cook Funeral Home (Byron Center Chapel), 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at Rush Creek Bible Church, 2334 76th St SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, with visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their online guestbook. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Rush Creek Bible Church Missions Fund.
