Mary Ellen Van't Hof

“But Jesus called the children to him and said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'” Luke 18:16-17 (NIV)

Mary Ellen (Haadsma) Van’t Hof, aged 67, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on August 27, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mary was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Donald and Deloris Haadsma on May 21, 1959. She attended Northview Public Schools and had fond memories from her childhood of swimming in the family pool, camping and attending church activities. Mary proudly graduated from Calvin College.

She met her loving husband, David Van’t Hof, through mutual friends and were married on September 10, 1982.

Her spirit was gentle; her heart filled with service and her mind often focused on her faith and her family. She worked for the family business but also made sure to make plenty of time for her passion to help others. Mary was a “Big Sister” for the “Big Brothers Big Sisters of America”, a Sunday School teacher, a Girl Scout Troop leader and a mentor to high school girls. She was skilled in baking, crafting and sewing and loved taking photos and capturing moments she held dear.

She loved being active in the lives of her children and grandchildren, despite distance and time. Her bravery with cancer treatments allowed her time to meet and enjoy cuddles with her youngest grandchild, Hazel. Mary will be remembered for her strong faith, love of family and passion to help.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her sister-in-law Elaine Martin (Van’t Hof). Mary is survived by her husband, David Van’t Hof, daughter Melissa (Christopher) Reid, son Matthew (Alyssa) Van’t Hof; grandchildren Ellie Reid, William Reid and Hazel Van’t Hof; siblings James (Shelley) Haadsma, Melinda (Rodney) Kalman and Richard (Stephanie) Haadsma; Sister-in-law Joyce (Mike) Bolthouse; and countless friends and family who tirelessly supported her during her health challenges.

A Memorial Service for Mary will be held on Friday September 11, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church (formerly Aberdeen Reformed Church) 1000 Aberdeen St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, where the family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.

Memorial donations in memory of Mary may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.