Gloria Jean Zylstra's Obituary
Gloria Jean Zylstra, age 76, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 4, 2024. She was born June 21, 1948, in Muskegon to Raymond and Ida (Schuitema) Salter and had been a life-long resident of the area. On November 4, 1966, she married James H. “Jim” Zylstra in Muskegon at Fifth Reformed Church and together they enjoyed 57 wonderful years of marriage. Gloria worked 18 years for Lorin Industries and 11 years for the Mahle Corporation prior to her retirement. She had been a former member of Westwood Reformed Church and was currently a member of Unity Reformed Church and was known at church by many as “The Sunshine Lady”. Gloria volunteered for Mercy VNS and Harbor Hospice for many years and also served on the board at Christian Care. She loved to shop, read devotional books, and send cards with stickers on them to brighten someone's day. Gloria enjoyed laughing (a lot) and loved being happy. She gave the best hugs, had the brightest smile, and had a heart of gold. Gloria was happiest when she was spending time with family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. SURVIVORS include her husband, Jim; two children: Greggory (Tracy) Zylstra and Jillynne (Tom, Jr.) Zeller both of Muskegon; four grandchildren: Camryn (Justin) Zeller-McGee, Taylor (fiancé Alex Ingersoll) Zylstra, Reece Zeller, and Elizabeth Zylstra; a great-granddaughter, Frankie (expected in late August); brother, William “Bill” (Phyllis) Salter of Tennessee; sister-in-law, Mary Salter of Muskegon; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, James Salter. SERVICES for Gloria will be held 11:00 AM Friday, August 9, 2024, at Unity Reformed Church. VISITATION with the family will be from 5-8 PM Thursday, August 8, 2024 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100. VISITATION will also be held one hour prior to the service Friday morning at the church. She will be laid to rest in Pine Hill Cemetery, Fruitport, MI. MEMORIALS to Unity Reformed Church or the Harbor Hospice Foundation will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Gloria?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gloria?
Share a story where Gloria's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gloria you’ll never forget.
How did Gloria make you smile?
