Barbara Lynne Sytsma, 83, of Kentwood, MI went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 7, 2026 while surrounded by her family. Born September 29, 1942 in Grand Rapids, MI, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Agnes (Straatsma) VandenBosch and was the wife of Bernard Sytsma. Barbara had retired from Bissell where she had worked as an accountant for several years. She and Bernie were constant partners throughout their lives together. Whether it was on bowling leagues with one another, taking trips across the country by rail, or tending to the flower garden Barbara loved so dearly, the two found many years of shared joy and companionship with one another. Barbara also enjoyed the time spent camping and boating as a family, working on puzzles and playing dominos with her sisters. She was quite talented with different needlepoint crafts and had created many gifts for family and friends with her knack for sewing and counted cross-stitch that are now cherished heirlooms.

In addition to Bernie, her husband of sixty-two years, Barbara is survived by her sons, Dale Systma and Tim Systma (Tina Noel); grandsons, Kirk (Lisa) Sytsma, Kyle Sytsma and Scott Sytsma; great-granddaughter, Zoey Sytsma; sisters, Charlene Veenstra and Jacki (Billie) Reed; siblings-in-law, Jim Sytsma, Harvey (Sheryl) Sytsma, Carol (Steve) Porch and Marjie (Steve) Kemmink; and a host of nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas C. VandenBosch and his wife, Aleda.

The family will receive friends at Ofield Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and again on Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. A funeral service will begin at the funeral home at 11:00 AM officiated by Pastor R. Scott Greenway. Barbara will be laid to rest in Oak Grove Cemetery privately.