Ava Rose VanderStelt's Obituary
On December 19, 2006 Ava Rose VanderStelt was born to Troy and Bridget (Stratton) VanderStelt in Muskegon, and she lived her life in this area. Ava’s journey here on earth wasn’t long enough as she ascended into Heaven with the Lord on February 12, 2022 and was greeted by those who went before her. Ava was so dearly loved and known by many as ‘Rosey’. Ava loved to cook, she was vibrant, smart, athletic, joyful, had an incredible love for dogs and children, and was passionate for Jesus. There didn’t seem to be a sport Ava didn’t love; she ran cross country, track, played volleyball, basketball, all water sports, and her favorite was soccer. Ava was fierce in everything she did. She was an amazing caregiver to all the children around our lakes and of course, their dogs too. She was a vegetarian and loved to create new things in the kitchen and would bake for anyone who had a sweet tooth. Ava is survived by her father here on earth, Andrew Knapp; mother, Bridget (VanderStelt) Knapp; sisters, Lainey Peterson, Raylynn Knapp, Reed Knapp; brothers, Matthew Peterson and Corbin VanderStelt; grandparents, Carole VanderStelt, Judy VanArman, and Fred and Cindy Knapp; many aunts and uncles, cousins and so many very good friends. Ava was preceded in death by her dad, Troy VanderStelt; grandpa, Dennis VanderStelt; and grandpa, Gary Stratton. A service to remember and celebrate Ava’s life will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 19 at Forest Park Covenant Church (3815 Henry St., Norton Shores, MI 49441). Masks are recommended by the family, but not required. The service will be live streamed at: youtube.com/eccwhitehall.org. Visitation will be at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services (6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444) from 4-8 PM on Friday, February 18. Contributions in Ava’s memory can be made out to Whitehall High School with Hope Squad denoted in the memo line (3100 W. White Lake Drive, Whitehall, MI 49461). Hope Squad is an organization devoted to directly supporting friends and families in Ava’s community for suicide awareness. You may sign her online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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