Our beloved and precious daughter, Ariel Tess Elisabeth Hettinga, took her own life while in northern California on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. She was born to us on July 16, 1990, making rich the lives of those who met her during her thirty years of life.
Ariel is survived by her parents, Donald R. Hettinga and Kimberly Gilmore Hettinga, of Grand Rapids; sister, Caitlin Hettinga and her partner, Rimple Nayyar; brother, Zane Hettinga; brother, Dylan Hettinga and his fiancee, Karina Williams, and their children Olive Jane Hettinga and Beau Ezra Hettinga; maternal grandmother, Barbara F. Gilmore; maternal grandfather, John F. Gilmore; numerous loving aunts, uncles, and cousins; and the Rinks family Brenda, Tom, Dayton, Nolan, Drake, and Beck.
A more comprehensive obituary and the announcement of a memorial ceremony will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting memorial contributions be sent to the Asperger/Autism Network (www.aane.org), the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (suicidepreventionlifeline.org), or Cherry Health (www.cherryhealth.org/), a Grand Rapids organization that provides counseling and all types of healthcare for those who might not otherwise have access. If you are having thoughts of suicide, the family recommends calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.