Barbara VanderWeide

Barbara P. VanderWeide (Mom) was born in the rolling hills of East Point, KY, to Virgil and Alta Auxier. She was the first of five children, including Carol, Madeline, Virgil Jr., and Virginia. Mom used to say that although they were very poor—with no electricity, plumbing, or running water—she was rich because of the amazing mother she had.

At 19, she packed her things and headed to Grand Rapids, MI, where a teacher she knew had moved. Over time, she made friends, and Grand Rapids became home. She learned to roller-skate as a child and continued that pastime in Grand Rapids.

One night at the roller rink, she saw a young man she had seen a few times at the local drugstore. He had come alone but had asked another beautiful blonde to skate a few times. But now it was Ladies' Choice, and no one picked him. Mom felt sorry for him and asked him to skate. He said no. Mom was surprised but just kept skating. That response must have intrigued him because, a little later, he asked her out.

Only later did she find out that the beautiful blonde he had asked to skate was his niece, Barb Vander Weide Heeres, who was only a few months younger than him. He was trying to get Mom to take notice, and she did! One date led to another, and they were married on February 21, 1956.

Two sons were born to them—Jeff and then Jody—completing their family. She loved being a wife and mom, cherishing family time with her guys, whether they were fishing, skiing, or simply gathered around the table for a meal. Their cottages on Camp Lake and the Muskegon River were the settings for many great summers spent with extended family, friends, and, later, grandchildren.

She started attending Bible Study Fellowship and soon became a discussion leader. She told us that it was there she developed a love for God's Word and for sharing it with others.

Once the boys grew up and married, Dad retired, and he and Mom were constantly on the go, traveling the world together. Mom's sister Carol and her husband, Jerry Lewis, as well as Jack and Barb Heeres, were some of their travel companions, and they had lots of adventures together.

Mom loved being a grandma! Whether babysitting or planning special outings she loved her time with them. Dad and Mom taught the grandkids tennis and golf. And the lunch buffet at Pizza Hut was always a favorite with the grandkids. They spent winters in Florida, but always celebrated Christmas Day at home with the whole family.

When Dad had a stroke at age 80, he could no longer easily travel or participate in the active pursuits they had enjoyed together. She became his caregiver and constant companion. Their final years together were spent side by side in their recliners, content to be together.

As a young woman, Barb believed, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God—not by works, so no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Her faith was a constant source of comfort and direction for her life.

When she was in the hospital this past July, a hospital chaplain came to visit her. Even though she suffered from severe dementia, she expressed with certainty her faith and trust in Jesus Christ, as well as her sure hope of the new life with Him that was to come. We were privileged to be with her for that conversation and to hear her testimony of faith. We praise the Lord that, with that same certainty, we know we will see her again someday.

We love you very much, Mom, and thank the Lord for all our years with you!

Barb is survived by her sons, Jeffrey (Meryl) and Jody (Deborah); her grandchildren, Chad (Nicole) Vander Weide, Sara (Mike) Buhr, Zachary (Steffani) VanderWeide, Joshua (Keeley) Vander Weide, Austin (Kate) VanderWeide, and Chloe (Joshua) Nagel; her great-grandchildren, Everly, Bowen, Kallie, Jack, Colsen, Naomi, McKynlee, Nora, and Luke; her sisters, Carol Lewis, Jeanne (Allen) Welch; and many nieces and nephews.

As a family, we would like to thank Lindsay Hunter, who faithfully cared for Mom and Dad over the last four years. She made it possible for them to remain in the home they loved. We also want to thank Oaks of Belmont for their compassionate care of Mom. Emmanuel Hospice provided incredible support and pain management for Mom. Our hearts are especially grateful to Jamie, who worked tirelessly to keep her comfortable, and Roxanne, who worked with us to ensure the best care for both Mom and Dad. You have all been a blessing to our family, and we thank God for your help.

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