Barbara Jean Constant's Obituary
With hearts full of gratitude and love, we remember our cherished Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, Barbara Jean Constant, who passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026. After 97 years focused on her faith and family, she has gone on to be with her Lord and Savior. Barbara was born on March 14, 1928, to the late Elbert, and Hettie Steeby, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she grew up. She attended Western Michigan University where she met Donald Constant whom she married on October 15, 1948. He preceded her in death on October 4, 2013. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage. Barbara was the glue that held together their large, active family of five children; providing her calm presence after school, cooking great meals for them, and a warm home base for extended family events and holidays. She supported her sports-minded family, as they were involved in coaching, and participating in a variety of sports, attending games and celebrating their achievements. Later in life, she continued by attending her grandchildren’s events and followed her favorite college sports teams.
Among her many pastimes, were her love of quilting, antique collecting and dealing. After over sixty years of living in Grand Haven, Barbara found special joy in living on Spring Lake for another ten years. From her deck, she spent peaceful hours watching wildlife, boating activities, observing the changing seasons and enjoying many beautiful sunsets. She is survived by her loving family, sons: Jon (Mary) Constant, Gary (Gail) Constant; daughters: Donna VanHall, Jane (Mark) Hospers; daughter-in-law, Traci Constant; her sister, Lois VanderMeer; and sister-in-law, Juanita Steeby. Barbara was also a blessing to her 14 grandchildren: Chad (Kimberly) Constant, Staci (Mark) Koldenhoven, Brad (Amanda) VanHall, Corey VanHall, Jody (Mike) Harmeson, Amy (Craig) Moser, Kacie (Brett) Bogard, Jennifer (Justin) Lyons, Matthew (Mariana) Hospers, Carli, Casey, Camryn, Caydee, and Colton Constant; 17 great-grandchildren; nieces and a nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; beloved youngest son, Bob Constant; son-in-law, Denny VanHall; and her brother, Dale Steeby. We wish to thank the staff at The Oasis of Norton Shores and Muskegon Harbor Hospice for the loving care they gave to Barbara. A small family celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at a later date. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Memorial contributions may be made to Muskegon Harbor Hospice. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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