Muriel C. VerHage's Obituary
Muriel C. VerHage, age 98, met her Heavenly Father on Thursday, June 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 13, 1927, to Peter and Florabel (Poe) Semeyn in Muskegon, MI, where she remained a lifelong resident. Muriel graduated from North Muskegon High School, Class of 1945. On November 27, 1946, she married the love of her life, George VerHage Jr., at the Unity Reformed Church Parsonage. Together they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage, filled with love, laughter, and faith. A woman deeply rooted in her Christian faith, Muriel was a longtime member of Forest Home Reformed Church and later became a charter member of Hope Reformed Church. Her church was truly her second home. She was an active and devoted member who found great joy in serving others. Muriel sang in the choir, often played piano for Sunday School, and accompanied Pastor Steve to play music for residents at the Hume Home and Christian Care. She was especially gifted in working with children, sharing with them her love for God, music, and life. Muriel delighted in teaching children to play piano, sing, and grow in faith. For more than 70 years, she used her incredible knitting talents to create afghans, baby booties and bonnets for new babies, and chickens at Easter time as well as boots at Christmas. She also helped decorate the church for the seasons, assisted with luncheons, and volunteered wherever she was needed. Muriel’s heart overflowed with love and joy, especially when surrounded by family and friends. She will be remembered as a woman who gave of herself freely, found happiness in every moment, and filled the lives of others with kindness, music, and warmth. Her love of singing and dancing reflected her zest for life—and her legacy of compassion will live on in all who knew and loved her.
In the words of Muriel, “I’ve lived a good life, I did what I could and enjoyed it!”
She is survived by her two daughters, Colleen (Rick) Werley and Jeanne VerHage; two grandchildren, Becky (Todd) Hekkema and Sarah (Marty) Shafer; three great-grandchildren, Logan Hekkema, Sophia Hekkema and Riley Shafer; and brother-in-law, Jack Charles. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George VerHage Jr.; infant son, Scott VerHage; three siblings, Beaver Semeyn, Beverly Steele and Anna Lee Charles; and four half-siblings, Roy Semeyn, Sarah Canning, Ruth DeVries and Clinton Semeyn. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Hope Reformed Church, 1878 Evanston Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 with visitation one-hour prior. Muriel will be laid to rest next to her husband at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial Contributions in her honor can be directed to Hope Reformed Church. Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Share memories with the family at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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