Virginia Fern Dantuma (nee Gale), known affectionately as Virginia, or sometimes Ginny, to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2023, at the age of 84, after a short but courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her beloved family. Born on November 20, 1939, the daughter of Newell and Fern Gale, in the town of Hart, MI, and living most of her adult life and raising her family in Muskegon, MI, she lived a full and vibrant life until her last moments in Grand Rapids, MI.

Virginia's life was a reflection of her lifelong and profound Christian faith, which she passed on to her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, John Albert Dantuma, with whom she shared 61 years of loving marriage. Virginia served as a full time wife and mother, as she and John raised four sons together—John and his wife Karen, Wayne and his wife Beth, Kevin and his partner Donna, and Brian and his wife Janna—who were the pride of her life, along with her 11 cherished grandchildren and 4 treasured great-grandchildren. Her love extended to her 8 siblings, out of which 2 sisters survive, Mary Jo Slagle and Katherine Sobers and her husband, Jim, her many cousins, and her numerous nieces and nephews. Her family was the cornerstone of her existence, and the memories created with them were the treasures she held most dear.

A woman of unwavering faith, Virginia dedicated countless hours in service to the Lord, at the Calvin Christian Reformed Church in Muskegon, MI. Her hands were rarely still, as she joyfully volunteered and became a friend to all within the congregation.

In her later years, Virginia's presence was a cornerstone of the Samaritas Independent Living Facility in Grand Rapids. There, she was not just a resident, but a friend, a confidante, and a source of unending joy. Her passion for card games was legendary, and her laughter was a melody that echoed through the halls, bringing smiles to the faces of her beloved friends.

She will be missed.

On Saturday, January 6, 2024, there will be visitation at 10:00am, a service at 11:00am, and a luncheon at 12:00, held at Ofield Funeral Home, 4500 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Kentwood, MI 49508. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation in honor of Virginia's life and faith, to West Michigan Christian Schools, 1279 East Apple Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442, to help prepare new generations to develop and share their faith, or Calvin Christian Reformed Church, 973 West Norton Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49441.