Marilyn Grace Vandermeer, 91, of Sparta, left this life on August 8, 2015. She was born in Pueblo, Colorado. Her parents, Harold P. and Hester Rhea Murray, predeceased her, as did her sister Elinor Moore. Also passing away before her were her husband of 41 years Jesse, and infant son Johnny. Survivors are daughter Catherine Marie Alford (Grant), Tennnessee, son Alan Lee Vandermeer (Susan), Grand Rapids, son Robert Murray Vandermeer (Lorene) of Muskegon. Also surviving Marilyn is special friend Rita Kohrman of Fruitport, Mi. Marilyn was blessed with grandchildren Anne-Marie Fish (Danny) of Ponte Vedra, Florida, Sarah Vandermeer of Grand Rapids, Jessica Scudder (Mac) of Belmont, Nathan Vandermeer (Olga) of Washington, D.C.,Lucas Vandermeer(Fiancée, Amanda May Hunt) of Muskegon, Brian Vandermeer (Heather) of Walker. She also had 5 great-grandchildren. Her sister-in-law, Dora Mae Emmons still lives in Sparta, Mi. A cousin, Beatrice Bellamy lives in Hudsonville, Mi., and Phil and Betty Cunio in Boca Raton, Fl. There are numerous nieces, nephews; grand nieces and nephews surviving. Marilyn had abundant artistic ability which was expressed by her paintings and drawings, one of which won a prestigious prize at a juried art show in Grand Rapids, She was an avid reader, especially historical novels, and later on in life, crime novels. She became very fond of the color purple shortly before her death and treasured her purple tennis shoes. The butterflies outside her window and in her collection were special to her. Flowers were a lifelong passion. Marilyn was a longtime member of Peace Lutheran Church in Sparta. During her healthy years she was very active in many church ministries and was especially diligent in the Stephen Ministry. She was a unique individual and passed many of her qualities onto her family members. She was a very beautiful woman who remained so until her death. She will be missed very much. Memorial contributions may be made to the Peace Lutheran Church of Sparta Endowment Fund in Marilyn's name. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, August 18th at Peace Lutheran Church, 1225 12 Mile Road NW, Sparta. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.