Maryl J. Ritsema's Obituary
Maryl Jean Ritsema, age 71, passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2021. She was born May 4, 1950 in Muskegon to Russ and Ruth (Dame) Hage. On May 27, 1972, she married David Ritsema at Lake Harbor Baptist Church in Muskegon. Maryl was an adored preschool teacher who taught for Muskegon Christian School for 44 years prior to her retirement in 2017. She was an active member of Unity Reformed Church and was very involved with the Ladies Guild, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Youth Groups, and the Women’s Bible Study. The family would like to give a special thanks to those who loved and cared for Maryl over the last couple of years, especially DaySpring, Harbor Hospice, and her primary caregiver and loving husband, Dave. SURVIVORS include her husband, David; 3 children: Patrick (Jacklyn) Ritsema, Ben (Sarah) Ritsema, and Loralee (Keith) Oppenhuizen; her 8 beloved grandchildren: Jordan, Jacob (Danielle), Clayton, Isaac, Owen, Abigail, Allison, and Amelia; great-granddaughter, Harper Ritsema; and her sister, Judith Fusko. Maryl was preceded in death by her parents and a brother-in-law, George Fusko. A celebration of Maryl’s life will be held 2:00 PM Monday, July 26, 2021 at Unity Reformed Church (1521 Porter Rd., Muskegon) with Rev. Walt Jones officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 5-7 PM on Sunday, July 25, 2021 also at Unity Reformed Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Muskegon Christian School. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100
What’s your fondest memory of Maryl?
What’s a lesson you learned from Maryl?
Share a story where Maryl's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Maryl you’ll never forget.
How did Maryl make you smile?