Birth date: May 26, 1927 Death date: Mar 13, 2014
A beloved educator and community member, L’Bertha “Betty” Buurma Rycenga, age 86, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at her Spring Lake home. Betty was born May 26, 1927 to Rein and Gene (Buurma) Visscher in Holland, Michigan Read Obituary
It seems like only yesterday we said "good bye" to Ted. Thoughts and prayers are with your family. Love Stan and Jan Smart
I did not personally know "Aunt" Betty. But I knew so much about her from Niece Lisa, I guess maybe I did know her. I, too, shall miss her... Al
My name is Jenny, Lisa Vanderhill's friend, that shared many stories of Aunt Betty, John and the cats with me. Betty always brought out Lisa's smile and touched her heart which I have been blessed to hear the stories. May all her love and life remind all of us to look up at the sky and grin! May God's light shine on all that knew here and beyond (including cats)! With that, if she was a Michigan State fan...Go Spartans:)
Laurie & Teddy,
I have fond memories of both your parents. Your mom was my fourth grade teacher who had to put me in the back of the room because I simply talked too much! She gave me hugs when I needed them at the Dansk and we had chances to talk at the Meijer store in the recent past. She enriched my past and present...in my heart always.
Jeri Fischer
Our Betty.....from Hope College, from SL Schools, from working at a shop in GH, from Dansk, .....we are truly sad to learn of her passing. She was also so vibrant and supportive of us, always! Betty and Ted were the second people to invite me to dinner back in 1960 when I began my teaching career in SL. They both were such a inspirration to us. And....I had the good opportunity to tech her children! You are in or thoughts and prayers today!
"To know Betty, was to love Betty"
John G. and Claire Bryson
Laurie and Family:
I am saddened to learn of the passing of this very special and classy lady. Knowing her from our high schools days, the Dansk days, she was always cheerful and had something special to say. My Thoughts and Prayers go out to you and your Family
Steven Dornbos
Dear Rycenga Family
What a joy it was to have your mother as my teacher in grade school !
"SHE REALLY CARED ABOUT PEOPLE" and her Biblical Christianity
was something she "lived" and exemplified !
Our prayers are with you all !!
Sincerely,
Philip & Nancy Bareham Family (Abigail Eunice, Philip Walter, Nancylee Grace)
My sincere Sympathy to the family of Betty. She was a very sweet, special lady who always was able to cheer one up with her beautiful smile. Thoughts and Prayers, Sincerely, Lois Gray
Mrs. Rycenga was my 4th grade teacher (Mr. Rycenga was my teacher in 6th grade), and she was wonderful. As I recall, she did not even get upset when my Show-and-Tell baby snake escaped in the classroom! Condolences to the family.
Adrienne (Arndt) Johns
Betty was a great mentor and extraordinary woman. She was someone whose generosity and compassion I could only hope to emulate in my lifetime. I will always cherish my time alongside her at Dockside.
Tessa Grabinski
