Jessie Gritter

A life well-lived is woven from simple, beautiful threads: family, faith, quiet service, and a competitive spark that brought warmth to everyone around her. This is the story of Jessie Gritter, a woman whose heart was as full as her home and whose legacy lives on in the music she shared, the quilts she stitched, and the faith she passed along.

Jessie was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, by her parents, Dick and Maude (Penny) TerMolen. Growing up in a household grounded in faith and quiet perseverance, she shared her childhood alongside her brother John and sister Maude, carrying also the memory of two siblings who passed away young. The family lived on North Avenue during her early childhood, and Jessie attended East Leonard School. Later, the family settled into Edgewood NE.

Jessie’s childhood was rich with simple joys. Raised in the Netherlands Reformed Church, her deep personal faith took root early when she accepted Jesus as her Savior in Sunday School—a faith nurtured and mentored closely by her sister, Maude. Outside of church and school, Jessie was full of spirit. She loved to sing from a young age and picked up both the piano and organ. She also loved the outdoors, spending countless winter days ice fishing with her family.

She possessed a natural focus and competitive drive that showed up early: at just twelve years old, Jessie won the citywide Jacks Tournament. By the time she attended Creston High School, her talent for music blossomed as an active member of the Glee Club and the acapella Choir.

After graduating from Creston High, Jessie took a job at Michigan National Bank Trust. Independent and capable, she decided to buy her very first car. Because her parents had never driven or owned a vehicle, Jessie proudly took on the task of teaching her father, Dick, how to drive.

The purchase of that car, bought from Art’s Gas Station—co-owned by Art and his brothers—changed the course of her life. Jessie found herself finding reasons to drop by, taking a liking to the quiet, hardworking man behind the counter. After dating for a year and a half, Jessie and Art were married on July 8, 1952.

The newlyweds built their home together at 1541 3 Mile Road NE in Grand Rapids. Together, they raised three children: Julie, Donna, and David.

When Art was later diagnosed with brain cancer, Jessie cared for him with devotion and grace until his passing. Though she lived as a widow for many years following his death, her heart remained anchored in her family, her community, and her faith.

Jessie’s work life eventually led her to Amway, where she worked as a secretary for many years. Yet her true occupation was caring for others in practical, creative ways. Jessie loved to sew and knit. She lovingly stitched handcrafted quilts for every one of her children and grandchildren, and her global heart led her to craft handmade teddy bears to send to children in third-world countries.

Deeply moved by traditional hymns like “How Great Thou Art,” “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” and “Amazing Grace,” as well as the harmony of Gaither Music, Jessie taught Julie, Donna, and Dave how to sing. She arranged opportunities for them to share their gift, leading them in performances at church, local rest homes, and homes for the blind.

An active member of East Leonard CRC, Jessie sang in the church choir and volunteered for a prison correspondence ministry, mailing words of hope to those behind bars. If anyone was going through a hard time, Jessie was the first to send a handwritten card filled with loving words and encouragement.

Jessie brought fun and energy to every gathering. She loved chocolate, was a master in the kitchen, and was famous for her deviled eggs, tender ribs, homemade applesauce, and her signature punch bowls overflowing with scoops of sherbet ice cream.

In her retirement years, Jessie embraced adventure, traveling to Hawaii, Alaska, and across Europe, taking in the sights with the same wonder she carried throughout her life. Back home, she loved nothing more than relaxing with a good Christian love story or sitting down with family for a competitive game night.

Jessie loved games of all kinds. Growing up, she played the card game “Authors,” a tradition she passed straight down to her grandchildren. She was famously competitive—never one to let her grandchildren win simply because they were little!

Nothing brought Jessie more pride in her later years than watching her grand children play football. Sports were a natural fit for her energetic spirit.

One unforgettable season, both Lowell and East Grand Rapids high schools made it all the way to the state finals—and both teams won. With a grandson on each side, Jessie proudly wore a custom-made shirt divided right down the middle with both team colors. Her bright smile and dual-loyalty shirt made the front page of the Grand Rapids Press, capturing a snapshot of the fierce love and total devotion she had for her family.

Jessie’s life was a steady hymn of devotion—to the Savior she accepted as a young girl, to the family she nurtured, and to the community she brightened with music, handmade gifts, and loving encouragement.

Jessie Gritter, age 102, was called to her eternal home on September 25, 2026, to reunite with her husband, Art, and many other beloved friends and family members.

She leaves behind to carry on the good fight of faith her children, Julie Gritter of Colorado; Donna (Randy) Myers of Georgia; and David (Denise) Gritter of North Carolina. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews, especially her sister’s children and their families.

Jessie loved the outdoors, fishing, going bowling, and participating in other retirement activities, often with her niece. She also enjoyed playing Rummikub and Scrabble and doing crafts. Jessie worked as a secretary, retiring from Amway after many years of service. She enjoyed volunteering at East Leonard Christian Reformed Church.

A service to remember Jessie will be held at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. Her family will visit with friends following the service, beginning at 2:00 PM. A time of refreshment will be held following her service.

Memorial gifts in Jessie’s name can be made to Hope for You Outreach of East Leonard Christian Reformed Church or The National Brain Cancer Society. To leave a memory page, sign her guest book, and post a photo please visit www.heritagelifestory.com