Lillian Ruth Peoples' Obituary
Lillian was born November 20, 1921 in Grand Haven, MI to Albert and Josephine (Peterson) Molenkamp. She has been a lifelong resident of Grand Haven. She graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1939. On August 15, 1941, she married the love of her life, John Peoples. They were married 48 years before John passed away in 1989. John’s love of bowling captured Lillian’s interest to try the sport herself. With John giving her lessons, she became a very accomplished bowler. She once bowled a 288, which was quite a feat for any bowler back in the 1940’s and 50’s. She and John were known throughout the bowling community as ambassadors of the sport. They gave thousands of hours volunteering their time. Lillian served as president, treasurer and secretary for her women’s bowling league. She also served as president of the Grand Haven Women’s Bowling Association for many years along with being a life member of the Women’s International Bowling Congress and helping John with his duties as secretary of the Men’s Bowling Association. She served her church as well. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of the Dunes since 1943. Volunteering as Sunday School Teacher, Financial Secretary for 16 years, and serving as president and treasurer of the United Methodist Women. She was a member of the Methodist Church Hannah Circle for many years. Lillian also was a Cub Scout leader throughout her son’s elementary school years and Girl Scouts with her daughter. She also was a life member of the #2326 V.F.W. Women’s Auxiliary. In 1968 she began an 18 year career with Grand Haven Area Public Schools where she was a media clerk at the Grand Haven Junior High and later transferred to the Instructional Media Services Department, serving as secretary to the director. She also loved watching the Detroit Tigers.
Lillian is survived by her children, Thomas (Debbie) Peoples, Michael (Connie) Peoples and Nancy (Patrick) Corbett; grandchildren, Thomas Jr (Beth) Peoples, Christopher (Bridget) Peoples, Robert (Tanya) Peoples, Timothy Peoples, Trisha (Josh) Cooper, Heather Peoples, Matthew Peoples, Jennifer (Nate) Morse, Melissa (Josh Robinson) Peoples, Michael (Natasha) Peoples, Michelle (Armando) Anguiano, Daniel (Ann) Corbett, Joseph (Devon) Corbett and Julie (Matt) Zuidema. In addition, she is survived by 38 GREAT Grandchildren.
Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, John in 1989. Her parents, Josephine and Albert Molenkamp; son, Richard Peoples, daughter-in-law, Gay Peoples; her great-grandson, Anthony Peoples, brothers, Albert Molenkamp and Lawrence Molenkamp, sisters-in-laws; Sally Molenkamp and Marge Molenkamp.
The funeral for Lillian will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 22, 2018, at the United Methodist Church of the Dunes with Rev. Lou Grettenberger officiating. Friends may meet the family from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 21, at Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services – The VanZantwick Chapel. Interment will be in Lakeshore Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the United Methodist Church of the Dunes are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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