Debora Susan VanDyke's Obituary
Debora Susan VanDyke (Penny), age 73, of Grand Haven, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025. She was born on October 11, 1951, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Debora graduated from Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids and went on to attend Grand Valley State University. She spent many years serving her community through her work with Meijer, and the Ottawa County Road Commission.
Debora is survived by her former spouse, Ronn Griffis, and their children: Jeffrey Griffis and Korey (Jerry Jr.) Slagel; as well as her former spouse, Peter VanDyke, and his children: Peter VanDyke, Paul (Patty) VanDyke, and Joe (Elizabeth) VanDyke. She was a proud grandmother to Jacob (Kristie) Griffis, Cassandra Griffis, Austin Slagel, Alexa Slagel, Caleb VanDyke, Simon VanDyke, Isaac VanDyke, Julia VanDyke, and Jordan VanDyke. Great-grandchildren: Cooper Griffis, Coltyn Griffis, David Bartly III, Jace Roberson, and River Roberson. Siblings: Barbara (Ken) Johnson, Tim Penny, Cindy Penny, Christopher Penny, Matthew Penny, and Kathleen Penny. She is also survived by her lifelong friend, Mary Bartolatto, whose decades of friendship were a cherished source of support.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Beyer.
A memorial service for Debora will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 14, 2025, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s School Scholarship Fund, 406 E Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456, in gratitude for the free education the school provided to two of Debora’s children.
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