Mari Ann De Graaf (Klinkner) age 82 passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on June 22, 2021 from Lewy Body Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and complications from strokes.

Mom was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 11, 1939 to Edward and Alice (Armock) Klinkner. She grew up primarily in East Grand Rapids attending East Grand Rapids schools and graduated from Catholic Central High School. She was married to James De Graaf, the father of her four children for 22 years then divorced. She later married Thomas Spruit for 25 years then divorced. Mom moved to Vista Springs Riverside Gardens 11 months ago where she and the staff had a mutual affection for each other.

Mom was an Animal Control Deputy Officer for over 20 years before her retirement at age 63. Mom was an animal whisperer, as all animals large and small fell in love with her. In fact, she nurtured and healed two baby sparrows who fell from their nest. Thus, the sparrows were added to our family pets which consisted of two beloved dogs Beau and Scruffy.

Mom was never without a voice in any conversation particularly when it came to politics. She played Bridge for many years, loved to play games and cards, and later in life Rummikub. Mom also loved to gamble and she always won! She traveled to many places and wintered in Florida for many years. Most of all, Mom had a huge heart, was loving, caring, and kind to everyone she met. Mom had many friends, even if she just met you she would treat you like a friend and always said to EVERYONE with a big smile, "Have a sunny day!".

Mom was preceded in death by her parents, four of her siblings Jackie, Carol, Chuck, and Helen, as well as nieces and nephews. She is survived by her children Kai DeGraaf (Andrea), Laura DeGraaf, Mark DeGraaf (Jurline), and Lisa DeGraaf (James Hoople). Her grandchildren are Natashia DeGraaf, Alexander DeGraaf (Evette Iverson), and Vincent DeGraaf, as well as her Great Grandchild Ocean Kai DeGraaf. She is also survived by her brother Richard Klinkner, her Grand-cats Gureisu, Michiko, and Lynx, and her Grand-dog Travis. Mom's former son-in law Cal Vruggink, former daughter-in-law June Hee DeGraaf, and many nieces and nephews whom she loved also survive her. Whenever we told Mom we loved her, she
always responded "I love you more!".

Per Mom's request, she has been cremated. We invite you to celebrate Mom's life with a visitation on Friday July 9 th from 4:00-6:00 pm at Simply Cremations, 4500 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508.

The family would like to thank Vista Springs Riverside Gardens and Faith Hospice, particularly Vicki, Lisa, DeAnna, and Younga for their care of Mom. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kent County Humane Society or Kent County Animal Shelter in Mom's name.