Lillian De Graaf

Mitzie (Lillian Hooker) DeGraaf October 21, 1932 - July 20, 2020 On July 20, Mitzie De Graaf passed on to her eternal rest with her two favorite men by her side: her husband Bob DeGraaf and son Brett DeGraaf. During the past couple of years, her health declined. Before she departed, she was able to see and talk to each of her children. If you knew Mitzie, her uplifting personality no doubt touched your heart in a special way. No one she met stayed a stranger for long. She saw the world with positivity, realism, and curiosity. After graduating from Lee High School (1951), in 1954 she met Bob at Grand Rapids Junior College in an English Lit class. But she really caught his attention in PE class, after accidentally shooting out the clock with a bow & arrow. In 1955, Bob was sent to Camp Irwin in Barstow, California. She took the El Capitan train out to join him. She became his wife, at the "Hitching Post Wedding Chapel" in Las Vegas on March 18, 1955. After the Army, they moved back to Michigan where Bob became a partner with his dad at A. DeGraaf & Son Inc. builders, She became the bookkeeper and a homemaker. They raised their family of five, 4 daughters and 1 son, in the Blythefield neighborhood, Rockford, MI. Her kitchen table and coffee pot were always available for friends and neighbors. In 1998 they retired to Wellston, Michigan in the north woods she loved. The wedding train west was the first of many travel adventures that she enjoyed. In fact, "On the Road Again" could be a theme song for most of her years. She and Bob traveled extensively through the United States, Canada, and northern Mexico. They made frequent stops in Louisiana, enjoying the bounties of the sea, and spicy cajun cuisine, and the west coast of California to visit their daughter and son-in-law, and granddaughter. In recent years much of their extended winters were spent in the desert near Tombstone, AZ with views of the mountains, good friends, and enjoying some of the best bird watching in the world. She was a lover of nature and people, an avid bird watcher, and she loved reading books of all genres. But, the number one thing she enjoyed was spending time with her beloved husband Bob who survives her. They celebrated 65 years of marriage centered on love and partnership, hand-in-hand to the end. She loved, raised, and enjoyed spending time with her 5 children, who each survive her: Renée DeGraaf, Robyn (Scott) Carlson, Brett (Annette) DeGraaf, Beccy (Todd) Metzger, and Rachel (TJ) Judson. She was also blessed with 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and her many grand dogs. She was thrilled to recently meet her newborn great-grandson, Theodore. Mitzie is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends, Betty McGrath Taylor, and Arlene Heinzelman Rhonda. A celebration of Mitzie's life will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at 1:00 PM at Solon Center Wesleyan Church, 15671 Algoma Avenue, Cedar Springs, MI 49319, Pastor Tom Schmidt, officiant. In the meantime, the next time "It's '5 O'Clock Somewhere", raise a glass and eat some freshly baked bread in honor of a lady who knew how to laugh and enjoy life, who was much loved and will be greatly missed. Mitzie always said 'Memories will get you through the tough times' and we'd love to hear one from you. She loved reading books, lemon custard, and making good memories: so take a loved one out for an ice cream cone, share a book—make a good memory. Please share with the family your memories and how Mitzie touched your life. If you wish to make a donation in her honor, please reach out to the family or check Bob Mitz DeGraaf on Facebook for her favorite organizations. If attending the celebration of Mitzie's life, out of respect for the health of others, please adhere to the CDC Guidelines by wearing a mask and maintaining 6 feet of distance from others when possible. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Lillian "Mitzie" De Graaf please visit our Sympathy Store.