Sheryl Elizabeth Groenink

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On Wednesday, March 30, 2022, the Triune God, who created the world in six days, reached down from Heaven to take His elect child, Sheryl Elizabeth (Sytsma) Groenink, home to eternal life. Sheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Adrian and Elene (Boelema) Sytsma, as well as her father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Christina Groenink, and sister-in-law, Shirley Groenink. She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 52 years, Lucas “Luke” Groenink; and their two daughters and ten grandchildren: Kristie Joy (Darrell) Morren, and their children, Keegan John, Derik Kyle, Dawn Kristina, Kenton James, and Kylee Joy Morren; Sherrie Lynn (Jason) Hill and their children, Annelise Christina, Jadon Lyle, Nolan Adrian, Jaret Edward, and Colin Lucas Hill. Also surviving are siblings; Larry (Wilma) Sytsma, Barb (Jim) Veldkamp, and Dave (Sharon) Sytsma; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Andrew Groenink, Bernie (Pat) Groenink, Rolly (Yvonne) Groenink, John (Kathy) Groenink, Jay (Kris) Groenink, Carol Groenink; aunt, Jean DeGroot; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Sheryl was born on July 6, 1948, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She attended Sylvan Christian School and Grand Rapids East Christian High School. She worked as a secretary at Keeler Brass Co. where she met her future husband. Luke and Sheryl were married on September 5, 1969, and have resided in Allendale ever since. After being blessed with two daughters, raising them in a Christian home became her life’s calling. She was a loving mother who spent countless hours playing with her daughters, reading Bible stories and various books with them, and taking them on many exciting adventures. “Her children and grandchildren call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her,” Proverbs 31:28. Sheryl was a gifted singer and used her God-given talent in the Calvin College Oratorio Society, Metropolitan Choir of Grand Rapids, and Zeeland Civic Chorus. She sang soprano in the “Alleluiah Trio” at many local church worship services. Throughout her lifespan she was a member at Faith Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, First Allendale Christian Reformed Church, and currently, Faith United Reformed Church in West Olive. Sheryl fought two courageous battles against breast cancer in her lifetime, with a 30-year remission in between. The family would like to thank all of those who helped during the last several months of her life, with various acts of kindness. Her family extends a special thank you to Hospice of Holland. Sheryl will be deeply missed and remembered by her beautiful smile, contagious laugh, family devotion, and her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. All of those who know her can take comfort in the reassurance that she is now made new, free from pain, walking on streets of gold by the Sea of Crystal, and singing God’s praises for all eternity. “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 1, 2022, at Faith United Reformed Church, 8270 120th Ave., West Olive, 49460 with Rev. Matthew Nuiver officiating. Burial will take place at Allendale Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday, March 31, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Allendale) 6651 Scott St. 49401 as well from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral service at Faith URC. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Right to Life of Holland.