Marilyn Kay Derks' Obituary
Marilyn Kay Derks, age 81, passed from life to everlasting life on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at The Poppen Residence of Harbor Hospice. She was born August 29, 1941 in Muskegon to Mike and Katherine (Wagner) Zuidema and was a lifelong resident of the area. She also made Siesta Key her home away from home and loved to spend time up at her cottage on the “Lake” with family and friends in Mears, Michigan.
On November 4, 1960, she married Larry George Derks in Muskegon and he preceded her in death on March 22, 2010. They were married for 50 years. Marilyn worked over 40 years as an accounting clerk for Sears, Roebuck & Company before her retirement in the late 1990s.
Marilyn dedicated her life to serving people. She was an active Calvinettes and craft leader at East Muskegon Christian Reformed Church. Over the last two decades she shared her talents as an active member of Ferrysburg Community Church. Marilyn was an incredible cook. She was often seen behind the scenes in the kitchen organizing and preparing a banquet for crowds as large as 400 people. Her cooking skills were also used to serve and bless disaster relief efforts through CRWRC and other overseas missions along with her husband, Larry. Cooking for her family and friends was always a treat. Her specialties were banana bread, pulled pork and of course at Christmas, Dutch banket!
Her service did not end there. Marilyn was an avid crafter. In her spare time, Marilyn could often be found creating intricate baskets by hand. After well over 1,000 baskets, she stopped counting, though still weaved on. She loved to go to conventions and was an active member of her basket guild. She had a passion for quilting and was in the quilting ministry group at Ferrysburg Community Church. She generously shared her creations as a blessing to others.
Marilyn and Larry traveled the world. Together they went on several cruises, motorhome trips, and Model A trips. She loved to “go” and was always up for adventure. This past June, she fulfilled a lifelong wish and traveled to Oberammergau, Germany to see the Passion Play and to Italy, walking as much as 13,000 steps in one day.
Marilyn loved children. She adored her grandkids and great grandkids. They were the light of her world. She attended many of their events and spent time making special memories with them over the years.
Her survivors include 3 children, Craig (Lora) Derks, Cynthia “Cindy” (Dr. Richard) Donnard, Curt (Dr. Victoria) Derks; 5 grandchildren, Nathan (Leanne) Derks, Megan (Fred) Gonyon, Lydia Derks, Tobin Derks, Ryan (Nina) Donnard; 6 great-grandchildren, Abigail, Anna, Lyla, Paul, Miso, Brooklyn; 2 brothers, Alan (Anita) Zuidema, James (Suzan) Zuidema; and several close nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; her grandson, Taylor Derks; her parents and 1 brother, Richard Zuidema.
We would like the celebration of her life to be full of vibrancy, color and joyful music. The family requests that if possible, people would pay respect to her and join her going Home party by wearing clothes that reflect joy and happiness. She passed fluidly from life on earth into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was excited to go to Heaven and told everyone who cared for her about her faith in God.
We will celebrate her victory in Jesus at 11:00 AM Friday, October 7, 2022 at Ferrysburg Community Church (17785 Mohawk Drive, Spring Lake) with Pastor Nate Visker officiating. Also officiating are Marilyn’s brother-in-law, Pastor Dale Grimm; her cousin, Pastor Joel Zuidema; and her nephew, Pastor Marcus Zuidema. Visitation will be held 5-8 PM Thursday at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444, and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Memorial Contributions may be directed to The Poppen Residence of Harbor Hospice. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Marilyn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marilyn?
Share a story where Marilyn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marilyn you’ll never forget.
How did Marilyn make you smile?
