Iva Brus

Brus, Iva 11/1/1938 - 1/1/2017 Grand Rapids Iva Harriet Brus, born 11-1-1938 passed away into the arms of the Lord on 1-1-2017 after a long battle with diabetes. She is preceded in death by her father, William; mother, Della Brus; step-mother, Florence Brus; brother, William; sister-in-law, Mary Brus; and life-long friend, Marlene Pater. Iva attended Creston Christian Elementary School and graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 1956. Iva's working career started with her making sandwiches for her Dad at Tasty Sandwich Service. Next, she worked at Cook Coffee Company in the office. Her next job was at National Nail Packaging Company where she worked for 34 years before retiring in 2000. She liked to work in her gardens that were all around her yard. She also loved to crochet. She made many afghans for family and friends. She was a silent giver of her time and talents. She helped start the Calvinette program at Fourth Reformed Church where she worshipped for 58 years. She was a sweet, loving, caring sister, aunt, and friend. She leaves behind her brothers, Henry (Elga) Brus; Al (Fran) Brus; and Larry (Candy) Brus; a sister, Marty (Bill) Pyper; and a sister-in-law, Evie Brus. Iva was also blessed with additional siblings: sisters, Mary (Ron) Wybenga; Kathleen Springfield; brothers, Jim (Kate) Datema; and Joel (Deb) Datema. She will be dearly missed by her many nieces and nephews as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews. All who knew her as a friend will also miss this precious friend. Visitation will be held on Thursday January 5, from 2-4 and 7-9 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ne and one hour prior to the funeral service at Fourth Reformed Church, 1226 Union Ave NE from 10-11 with the service starting at 11:00. Contributions in memory of Iva to Fourth Reformed Gems Program, 1226 Union Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 are appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory, read Iva's life story or sign her guest book. The family thanks the wonderful caring staff at Vista Springs Riverside for all they have done for not only Iva, but for our family as well. A special thanks to Corbert for all the help and wonderful care you gave Iva.