Charlotte M. Vanderstelt's Obituary
Charlotte M. Vanderstelt, age 95, passed away peacefully in her Savior's arms on March 20, 2020. She was born January 19, 1925 in Lawton, MI to Harmon and Lila (Brown) Rose (both deceased). On October 3, 1942 Charlotte married Robert N. Vanderstelt (deceased).
Charlotte enjoyed working behind the bakery counter for over 25 years for Braaks and Antons bakeries. She attended and faithfully served at Black Creek Bible Church for over 60 years. She was known and loved by many in the Fruitport area for her cheerful, helpful spirit.
Charlotte loved life and counted it all as blessings. She grew up on “the farm” with her brothers and sisters and later (with her husband Bob) built their home in Cloverville. In this home they raised their three children: Shirley, Roger and Robert (deceased).
Charlotte was the second oldest of eight children: Catherine Rose, Betty (Wayne) Raifsneider, Cecil (Carol) Rose, Irene (Comer) Bilbrey, Joseph “Bud” (Dolly) Rose, Everett (Clara) Rose and Darryl (Diane) Rose. She was preceded in death by Catherine, Cecil, Everett and Darryl.
In December of 2012 Charlotte moved from the home she loved in Cloverville to an assisted living facility. She loved her home and her truck, but with faith and grace she made Day Spring her new home. Charlotte was loved by the wonderful caregivers and staff at Day Spring and Life Circles, and they will always be remembered for their dedication to Charlotte.
Charlotte loved music - it was “instrumental” to her faith, and her soul longed to hear and sing her favorite gospel songs (thank you, Alan Jackson!) She could be heard singing in devotion time, while relaxing in the gathering room or in her own cozy room while she listened to her favorite gospel hymns CD (especially “When We All Get To Heaven”).
She loved having visitors and reminiscing about her life even when some of her memories had us scratching our head. She also enjoyed listening to Bible stories and the Little House on the Prairie series. Even as Charlotte’s memory faded, she delighted in seeing her grand- and great-grandchildren. Their hugs and kisses would bring joy and laughter to her heart. She never failed to ask when “those little ones” would come back to visit so they could sing kid's Bible songs together and decorate her room.
Charlotte was a victim of Alzheimer's. But even this terrible disease could not rob her of her joy or her love for her Savior. She lived every day with a thankful heart and her focus was on that day when Jesus would call her home. Her last days were spent at MediLodge at the Shore in Grand Haven where “Softly and Tenderly” played continually as she waited for Jesus to call her home.
Words cannot describe the sum of Charlotte. She was an ambassador for God in whatever she did. Charlotte loved and was loved by all. She was the perfect blend of independence, faith, and love. She was a living example of “turning the other cheek” and living a life of humility and service to others. Her faith was not complex – but it was strong and sure.
Charlotte lived in the promise that she would spend eternity with Jesus, and her greatest wish was that she would be surrounded by all of her loved ones. We celebrate her life as we imagine the room that has been prepared for her in heaven by her precious Savior.
What’s your fondest memory of Charlotte?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charlotte?
Share a story where Charlotte's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charlotte you’ll never forget.
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