Nellie Marie Goodyke

GOODYKE, NELLIE MARIE Nellie Marie Goodyke (Vandenbos), aged 100, and life-long resident of Grand Rapids, shed her earthly garments for a resurrection gown peacefully on Saturday, February 8, 2014, having spent the day surrounded by loving family members. She was born June 11, 1913 to the late Peter and Marie Vandenbos and attended Union High School. After finishing school, she worked at a variety of jobs until handsome Ben Goodyke moved in next door. Thus began a loving relationship culminating in a marriage of over 69 years. They were married on December 10, 1932. After their marriage, Nell was a foster parent for many years and later worked at Versluis Photography Studio. After three years of marriage, they bought the house on Powers Avenue that Nell grew up in and she lived there independently until early this year, marking 90 years in the same house. After her husband's retirement from GM, they spent many summers at Big Fish Inn in Ellsworth, MI fishing and enjoying northern Michigan. Ben and Nell also enjoyed the opportunity to speak to classes at Union High School about living through the Depression and life without technology. They were long-time members of Alpine Christian Reformed Church until it closed and then at West Leonard CRC. She remained active until her death and she and her hats will be sorely missed by all. Surviving Nell are her two children, Dolores (Patrick) Rode of Traverse City and Ron (Mary Lou) of Belding; ten grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Kathleen Mishler of St. Johns; her sister-in-law, Dorothy Vandenbos of Grand Rapids; her foster son, Gary White of New Jersey; and numerous nieces and nephews. Nell shared her loving wisdom and generous spirit with her friends and family. As "Grandma-Great", she was a happy, compassionate and caring fount of wisdom, encouragement and gifts (her fudge in the mail was a summer camp highlight for all). Her family will always carry with them her guidance, unconditional love, encouragement and strength. She was, indeed, a remarkable woman! Nell was preceded in death by her husband, Ben, her sisters, Edna, Cora and Shirley and her brother, Peter. A celebration of Nell's life will be held at the Heritage Lifestory Funeral Home, 851 Leonard NW, Grand Rapids, MI at 11 AM Thursday, February 13, 2014. Visitation for Nell will be held two hours prior to the service. Nell has asked that no flowers be sent. Instead, memorial contributions may be made in Nell's honor to West Leonard CRC, West Side Christian School or a charity of your choice.