Gladys Irene Gritter

Gladys Irene Gritter, age 98, of Kentwood went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, March 4, 2022. Gladys was born on July 23, 1923 in Hawarden, Iowa to Fred and Ida Kooi. After growing up on a farm, she proudly served her country in the Navy Waves during WWII. While in service she met her husband, George, to whom she was married for almost 65 years. Gladys was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who cherished being with her family. She participated in a wide range of activities. She loved her church, first Kelloggsville CRC, later Ideal Park CRC, and was a ladies Bible study leader and Sunday school teacher. She wrote a great number of poems, many of which were published. Painting was another hobby, along with numerous crafts. Mom loved acting and was a member of many groups that performed comedy skits throughout Grand Rapids. At the Holland Home she launched a yearly talent show put on by the residents. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, visiting the birthplaces of many of our presidents and spending many winters in Florida. Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, George in 2011, and her son, Ken in 2021. She is survived by her children: Bob and Ruth Gritter, Cindy and Vincent Gargagliano, Judy and Jim Kleinwolterink, and daughter-in-law, Mari Gritter; 11 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; siblings: Clarence (Marie) Kooi, Stanley Kooi, Glenn (Patricia) Kooi, Irene Kooi Chadwick, and Mildred Kooi; brothers-in-law: John Peterson and Bill Gritter; sisters-in-law: Marilyn Waanders and Carole (Geof) Gaiser. Funeral services will be held 11 am Saturday, March 12 at Raybrook Manor, 2121 Raybrook SE, Grand Rapids with Rev. Chris Bouma officiating. Burial Pine Hill Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Saturday from 10-11 am prior to the service at Raybrook Manor. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Holland Home or Ideal Park CRC.