Phyllis Jayne Meindertsma

Phyllis Jayne Meindertsma, age 89, went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, May 10, 2025. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Meindertsma; son, John Meindertsma; parents Zeke Goulooze and Johanna Oliver; sisters Evelyn (Robert) DenBraber, Lois (Art) Termolen, and Helen (Leon) VanValkenburg. She will be lovingly missed by her children Rick (Deb) Meindertsma, Kathi (Paul) Vlachos; daughter-in-law, Lori (Wes) Von Seggern; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Born November 4, 1935, Phyllis grew up in the Creston Heights area of Grand Rapids as the youngest of four sisters. She attended Grand Rapids Christian High School, and upon graduation, began working for Michigan Bell Telephone. She married Richard Meindertsma in November of 1954, living on various Air Force bases during and after the Korean Conflict. Richard and Phyllis returned to Grand Rapids to raise their three children. Phyllis was active in her church and community. She had a particular affinity for Christian Contemporary music, often “sneaking off” with her children on Sunday morning to Sunshine Church to worship with the “new” music - even taking her children to see Jesus Christ Superstar. She was a devoted supporter of East Kentwood athletics and choir. Throughout her career, she held finance-related positions at Comerica Bank, First Assembly of God Church, and Grand Valley State University in finance related areas.

Phyllis enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchild, keeping an eye on them to thwart their “glomming” of her sparkling clean windows. Later in life, she enjoyed extended winter stays in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, making new friends and embracing the culture. The couple were recent residents of Heather Hills Retirement Community.

A slip of paper was recently found neatly tucked in the pages of her daily devotional Bible on which she had written in her neat script the lyrics of her favorite Chris Tomlin song: “My chains are gone, I’ve been set free. My God, my Savior has ransomed me. And like a flood his mercy reigns unending love, amazing grace.” These words aptly summarize her Christ-centered life and steadfast faith.

Cremation has taken place, and the family will hold a private celebration of life in the near future. Memories and messages may be shared at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in the online guestbook.