Shirley Ann Schuitema Tindall, age 87, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, while surrounded by her family. Shirley was born on June 6, 1932, to James and Helen Derks in Grand Rapids, MI in the middle of the Great Depression. She also suffered from Alzheimer's disease.After graduating from Union High School, she worked as long distance telephone operator. She also worked many years at Steketee's department store in downtown Grand Rapids. Shirley learned to knit in 4th grade where the knitted squares were put together for afghans for wounded soldiers in World War II. When her grandson was in 4th grader at Muskegon Christian School she taught the entire class to knit. She continued teaching 4th graders to knit for over a decade.Shirley had a servant's heart and loved to volunteer; Harbor Hospice, Blue Lake Radio, President of Booster Club, the Rainbow Shop, the Household Pantry, and Muskegon Christian School were some of the organizations she supported through her efforts.Shirley enjoyed being physically fit and many outdoors activities including: boating, water skiing - (which she did until she was 79 years old) cross country skiing, hiking, camping and gardening.Shirley was an accomplished writer. She loved letter writing and nurtured many friend & family relationships with handwritten letters in her beautiful penmanship. When "email came along" it took several years before she stopped printing each one.In 2006, she wrote and published a book about the power of her faith in Jesus Christ and the healing power of God entitled Riding on God's Coattails.Shirley was a wonderful Mother and Grandmother who was both incredibly patient and resilient. She was a huge cheerleader for her children and grandchildren, attending countless school and athletic events to support them. At age 82, she walked in over a dozen parades for her daughter.Shirley was an active member of Calvin Christian Reformed church in Muskegon where she was involved in Coffee Hour, Communion Supper and the household pantry.On May 12, 1951, Shirley married John David Schuitema in Grand Rapids and he preceded her in death on March 2, 1978.She is survived by her children, Thomas (Janice) Schuitema, of Grand Rapids, Karen (Janice Curran) Schuitema of Grand Rapids, Kathy Hoogstra (Robert) of North Muskegon; four grandchildren, Jonathan (Wendy) Hoogstra, David (Jenna) Hoogstra, Christopher (Elizabeth) Hoogstra and Aaron Schuitema; and one great-grandchild, Evelyn Hoogstra.In addition to her husband, John Schuitema, Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, and all her siblings, Harold Derks, Laura Schwartz, Dorothy Huizenga, Dean Derks and Robert Derks.Funeral arrangements are being made by Reyers North Valley Chapel in Grand Rapids.A graveside service will be held on June 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Rosedale Memorial Park with the Rev. Mark Milkamp officiating.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18