Velma Frances "Val" Race's Obituary
Velma Frances “Val” Race, age 102, of Spring Lake passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Allendale Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She was born December 5, 1923, in Muskegon Heights, MI to Anton and Mary (Gabriel) Fixel. She married Ronald Race on February 12, 1945, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Muskegon Heights, MI. Ronald preceded her in death on July 23, 1983.
Velma was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake and the Women’s Club, quilting group, served as co-captain of funeral luncheon team. She helped organize the senior group, and remained active in the group until health prevented it. Velma enjoyed playing cards with friends. But most of all she immensely enjoyed playing with her grandchildren, and her family was the most important thing to her.
Velma is lovingly remembered by her son, Gary (Diane) Race; son-in-law, Robert Clark; five grandchildren: Jenny Clark, Julie Clark, Matthew (Erin) Race, Ronald Clark and Nichole (Paul) Andrews; ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, her daughter, Sandra Clark, five sisters and one brother.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Friends may meet the family from 5 – 7 p.m. on Monday, December 29, with the Rosary at 5:00 p.m. at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Interment will be in Spring Lake Cemetery. Memorials in Velma’s name may be given to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or St. Mary’s Food Pantry. Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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