Betty Schipper

Betty was born in Grand Rapids on November 27, 1926, to Simon and Alice Miersma. She graduated with her registered nursing degree from Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo and worked for a time as an industrial nurse and later at a residential care facility, using her nursing and mothering skills to care for children with brain injuries. After retiring, Betty, with her husband Clarence, volunteered for Wycliffe Bible Translators both at JAARS in Waxhaw, North Carolina, and, for 26 years, at SIL in Tucson, Arizona. She also used her upholstery skills on countless furniture pieces both for charitable organizations and for friends and family. Her work is treasured by all.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Simon and Alice Miersma; in-laws, Jack and Reka Schipper; sisters, Dorothy Solomon, Lois Herder, and Ruth Hanko; brothers, Calvin Miersma and Daniel Miersma; and great-granddaughter Abigail Vander Wall.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of nearly 72 years, Clarence; her children, David and Diana Schipper, Jone and Dirk Vander Wall, Gary and Rosemary Schipper, and Brenda and Robert Hoeksema; and her grandchildren, Marcus and Sarah, Stephen and Frankie, Cassandra and Jonathan, Andrew and Kristi, Daniel and Jill, Laura and Jeremy, Craig and Coe, Bryan, Michael and Emily, Nicholas and Sarah, and Kristen and Paul. She was blessed with and cherished her 18 great-grandchildren. Betty will be missed by sister-in-law Betty Oosterhouse; brother- and sister-in-law Ralph and Ardyce Schipper; and many nephews, nieces, and dear friends.

A private family celebration of Betty’s life is planned.

In honor of Betty and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wycliff Bible Translators, SIL International, PO Box 620122, Orlando, FL 32862-0122 or online at www.sil.org. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.