Martha B. "Dolly" Roest's Obituary
Martha B. “Dolly” Roest, age 87, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025. Born on April 4, 1937, in Muskegon, MI, she was the daughter of Ralph and Pearl (Whitcomb) Welch and a lifelong resident of the area. Dolly’s heart was always close to her roots, and her life was one full of love, laughter, and devotion.
On December 11, 1953, she married the love of her life, George Roest. Together, they shared 63 years of cherished memories before his passing on December 2, 2017. Since the beginning, they lived in their beloved “old farmhouse,” where they raised their five children and built a legacy of love that would last for generations. The house remained a special place, filled with laughter, joy, and countless memories for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She was known for her sharp eye when it came to thrifting, always able to find a hidden treasure. Whether it was glassware, jewelry, or other items, Dolly had a talent for transforming old treasures into something new, often reselling them at consignment shops.
Above all, Dolly was a faithful servant of the Lord and her family meant everything to her. She was a loving mother, a doting grandmother, and a proud great-grandmother. Her family was her world, and her love for them was unconditional and unwavering. She will always be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and selfless devotion as a sister, friend, and matriarch of her family.
She is survived by her five children, Judy (Bruce) Tyler, Dale (Deb) Roest, Rebecca (Bill) Miller, Gene (Yuan) Roest and Mike (Kelley) Roest; 12 grandchildren, Eric, Adam, Cassandra, Albert (Joslyn), Valerie (Michael), Elizabeth, Antoinette (Rob), Jeannie (Erich), Jay, Michelle (Blake), Sarah and Ashley; 17 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George Roest; two sisters, Tolly Ketchum and Carol (Don) Roest; brother, James Welch; and two grandchildren, William Roest and Lynnea Acosta. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 31, 2025, at First Lutheran Church, 1206 Whitehall Rd., Muskegon, MI 49444. A Visitation with the family will be held one-hour prior at the church. Arrangements entrusted to The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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