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Monday
Dec142015

Grace Virginia Vanderbeek

Grace V. Vanderbeek, age 85, of Ithaca, died Sunday, December 13, at Mid-Michigan Medical Center in Midland.

Grace was born June 15, 1930, in Detroit, the daughter of Richard and Anna (Steinecke) Randel.  She married William Vanderbeek on July 9, 1955 in Alma. He preceded her in death on August 12, 2006.  She graduated from MSU with a Bachelors Degree and from University of Michigan with her Masters Degree.  She then taught 8 years at Allen Park Schools and two years at Stanton Public Schools, before spending 30 years teaching junior high at Alma Public Schools, where she taught English, Reading, History and Journalism.  She was instrumental in originating the Alma Wildcat Gazette.  She also coached junior high volleyball for many years.

Grace was very health conscious and enjoyed biking outdoors around Ithaca, in later years accompanied by her granddaughter, Heidi.  She also was an avid bowler, bowling at either Town and Country or the 300 Bowl.  She continued bowling until she was 84.  While at MSU she enjoyed fencing.

Grace loved music and fine arts.  She was a fan of MSU football and Spartan Marching Band, and was a sponsor for the Gratiot County Players and the Wharton Center.

She enjoyed her back yard and tended her flower garden through the summer, and her bird feeders through the winter.

Grace and Bill supported agriculture and education, and especially enjoyed supporting 4-H.  The Gratiot County 4-H Fair Office in Alma  was named after them.

Grace was an active member of the Ithaca First Presbyterian Church, where she served for several years as an Elder.  She was a life member of the Alma Elks Lodge and MSU Alumni Association.

Grace is survived by her son, Rick (Kathy) Vanderbeek, of Ithaca; and her pride and joy, her granddaughter, Heidi Vanderbeek, of Ithaca; her sister-in-law, Joanne Vanderbeek of Alma; her brother-in-law, Eldon “Bus” (Margaret) Adams, of Stanton; and nieces and nephews: Rebecca, Laurie, James, Martha, Doug, Kathy, Jane, and Alan.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Frank Randel; and her sister, Marion Schema.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, December 19, at the Ithaca First Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Joseph Novak officiating.  Interment will follow in Ithaca Cemetery.  Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, December 18, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Ithaca First Presbyterian Church or to Gratiot Fair for Youth.

Reader Comments (17)

Rick, sorry to hear about your mom. She was a great supporter when we were in band and I am guessing I knew her well before that through the bowling alley.
December 14, 2015 | Unregistered CommenterJeff Chaney
Rick, Sorry to hear about your mom's passing. She was one fine lady. My parents enjoyed spending time with Grace and Bill over the many years.
December 15, 2015 | Unregistered CommenterLouise Courter
Great lady and teacher. As a teacher , she challenged me to think before talking. As a person, her and Bill always took the time to say hello long after middle school was over.
December 15, 2015 | Unregistered CommenterBen McCarthy
Rick, Kathy & Heidi - So sorry for your loss. She was a fantastic lady and we were all better people just by knowing her and your whole family. Lifting you up in prayer - hugs to you all.
December 15, 2015 | Unregistered CommenterTim Lori & Cailin Mikek
Rick and family, we offer our sincere condolences. We have many memories over the years of your Mother and Dad. Grace always took time to talk with us and she was instrumental at an important moment in our lives. May she rest in peace.
Ron & Cheryl Krautstrunk
December 15, 2015 | Unregistered CommenterRon & Cheryl Krautstrunk
Dear Rick, Kathy, and Heidi, Uncle Bus and I were so sorry to hear the news of Grace's passing. She was quite a woman! We loved her and grieve with you as we have lost a fine friend and sister-in-law.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Uncle Bus and Aunt Margaret
December 15, 2015 | Unregistered CommenterMargaret and Bus Adams
So sorry to hear about your mother's passing. She'll never be far away when those wonderful memories are held close.
December 15, 2015 | Unregistered CommenterCheryl Richmond
I remember your mother as a teach when I was in Junior High at Alma Schools. Was an excellent teacher and was well liked. She was a neat lady and met her several times over the years.
December 15, 2015 | Unregistered CommenterCarolyn Greenman
Rick and familu
Your Mom was a totally "Cool" woman. When I met her at the Ithaca Bowling Alley, I knew right away she was a fine woman. I would like to express my deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mother. I am sure that you have enough beautiful memories to keep her in your heart always
.
December 15, 2015 | Unregistered CommenterMary Ramereiz
Rick, Kathy and Heidi: We are so sorry to hear about Grace. It's so sad to hear this. Grace was a wonderful person who was so fun and full of life! I loved knowing her and your entire family throughout the years. One great memory I have was being able to bowl with her and get together with all of you years ago. Our most sincere condolences to you all. Another angel has been accepted into Heaven. 👼 Carrie Carey
December 15, 2015 | Unregistered CommenterCarrie Carey
So sorry to hear about Grace. I enjoyed working for her in highschool and spending time with her and all that she taught me about gardening. She spoke so highly of her family and Heidi was her pride and joy. Thinking of you all.
December 16, 2015 | Unregistered CommenterMeghan Wideman
Rick and Kathy, So sorry about your loss. I send my prayers.
December 16, 2015 | Unregistered CommenterBeverly Bongard
Sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Virginia perked up when I mentioned her name and was curious who was older.
Deana
Dear Rick, Kathy and Heidi - Your mom and my aunt was a great role model for all of us. Her strength, humor, determination and her confident spirit was an inspiration to all of us. She accomplished so much in her life! We will all miss her so much. Much love and peace to you, Laurie, Andrew and Savannah
December 17, 2015 | Unregistered CommenterLaurie Vanderbeek Wyatt
Rick and family,
My fondest memories of your mom, are from the many visits that Connie and I shared with both Bill and Grace at their home...of course in later years, just Grace. We would take the short detour through Ithaca to make those visits while traveling from Ludington to Chesaning. I can picture here sly smile as she would share her stories of Heidi’s accomplishments, Rick and Kathy’s work and travel adventures, her bowling action, and of course her beloved Spartans! Her fortitude and determination to stay active and involved were inspiring…what a great life she led. My condolences to you all as you navigate these next days, weeks, and beyond. May God grant you His perfect peace and comfort through it all.
Pete
December 18, 2015 | Unregistered CommenterPete Conrad
Rick, Kathy and Heidi, We liked Grace so much! She was always interesting to talk to and John remembers her as a tough and great teacher. You are all in our prayers. Love, John, Jeiselle, Talia and Vinnie Ortisi
December 21, 2015 | Unregistered Commenterjohn and jeiselle ortisi
I'm sorry to hear about Grace. I met her when I was staying with Andrea and Larry Ackels in Ashley in 1983-84. She was a very warm and a funny lady and made the bowling nights a special moment and always made me laugh.
Ulrika Cederberg/Särö, Sweden
December 24, 2015 | Unregistered CommenterUlrika Cederberg
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