Martha VanderLugt

When reflecting on the overflowing life of Martha VanderLugt, it is easy to see her unwavering strength and unconditional love for her family. She was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and she faced every challenge that came her way with a fierce sense of determination. Nothing brought Martha greater joy than spending time with her loved ones, no matter how simple the moments. Her selfless heart allowed her to touch the lives of all those around her for the better. Truly radiant on the inside and out, Martha will be deeply missed and her memory forever treasured.

On May 26, 1939, in Holly, Michigan, Martha Jane made her entrance into the world, welcomed by her overjoyed parents, Wilbur (Klein) and Mary (Burgess) Powell. Martha was a typical girl of her generation in many ways. Her early years were spent in Holly, Pontiac, and Waterford. Martha’s father, Wilbur (Klein), worked at GM and played semi-pro baseball, so Martha developed a lifelong love for baseball at a young age. She was raised alongside her younger siblings, Carolyn, Dixie, and Charles. Due to her mother Mary’s ongoing health struggles, Martha basically raised her brother and sisters, a duty she took very seriously. Martha was accepted and attended Interlochen to continue to hone her piano skills. Her first job was as a carhop at a drive-in. Martha built the strong foundation of her faith early on in her childhood. She was very involved at Waterford Community Church and enjoyed attending Bible Club. Martha attended and graduated from Waterford Township High School. She was eager to see what her future held.

As she met the young man who would eventually become her husband, Martha saw new and exciting changes on the horizon. His name was Daniel Revoir, and the two first met while attending Waterford Community Church. A deep friendship formed between Martha and Daniel. They were married at Waterford Community Church on September 6, 1958, in the presence of family and friends. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon to Niagara Falls.

When Daniel felt that the Lord was calling him to ministry, Martha was ready to support him however she could. While Daniel attended the Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music, she was the assistant to the dean. After school, Martha and Daniel began serving in Boardman Bible Church. She played piano and served the small church in many ways.

Daniel and Martha were avid motorcycle enthusiasts. They rode all over the United States. During their time at Boardman, they were tragically injured when a snowmobile hit them and broke multiple leg bones on each of them. It would be a long 10 years before Martha’s non-union break would fully heal. But that didn’t stop the two of them; they just rigged up a system to attach her crutches to the motorcycle. People always did a double take to see people on a bike with crutches in tow.

Daniel later developed a debilitating illness, and Martha stepped gracefully into her role as his caregiver until he passed away on December 31, 2017.

Nothing meant more to Martha than her family. She was a fantastic mother to her three beloved children, Douglas, Linda, and Patti. Martha was a fearless protector and advocate for her kids. She made every birthday and occasion truly special. Martha strove to be an excellent homemaker and seamstress and would make her daughters matching dresses. She processed and cooked whatever wild game Daniel brought home, including moose, and she was well known for her venison burritos. The Revoir family enjoyed driving to Elizabeth Lake, where they would water ski and eat lunches of KFC on the boat. Even when her kids were grown, Martha always made time to spend with each of them. She was thrilled to become a grandmother and doted on her grandchildren whenever possible. Martha considered herself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones, and she savored each and every memory.

In addition to serving in her church with Daniel, Martha worked in administration for Dickinson Press and eventually in the Meijer Corporate Office. After retiring from Meijer, she began working for Home Instead, an agency providing in-home services to the elderly. Martha found great fulfillment at Home Instead, where she could put her gift for serving others to good use. She was careful not to tell most of the seniors her age since she was actually older than many of them!

Later in life, Martha was fortunate to find love once again. Longing for companionship, she decided to make a profile on Match.com with Linda’s help. Martha had three requirements for her relationship: He needed to be a godly man, love baseball, and enjoy being with her grandchildren. When Martha met Nelson VanderLugt, it was immediately apparent that he was a good fit. The two had lunch at Russ’s. Eight months later, Martha married Nelson at Trinity Baptist Church on May 1, 2021.

Throughout her rich and rewarding life, Martha Powell, Revoir, VanderLugt truly embraced every moment and blessing she was given. She was a shining example of compassion and generosity and a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Martha was beloved by all who knew her and a friend to anyone who needed one. Her unshakeable faith and love for Jesus were the focus of her life. Though she will be dearly missed, Martha leaves behind a priceless mosaic of memories for her loved ones to treasure.

"God saw you were getting tired and a cure was not to be. So he put His arms around you and whispered 'Come to me.' A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands now rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best."

Martha Jane VanderLugt, age 85, passed on to the loving arms of Jesus on March 11, 2025. She was also preceded in death by her former husband, Daniel Revoir; grandson, Devin Revoir; sister, Carolyn Leneschmidt; sister-in-law, Brenda Powell; and brother-in-law, James Lauderdale, Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Nelson VanderLugt; her children: Douglas Revoir, Linda (JD) Viekman, Patti (Travis) Nielsen; former daughter-in-law, Winifred Revoir; stepchildren, Roger (Andrea) VanderLugt, Scott (Jenny) VanderLugt, Diane (Andrew) Kallemeyn; grandchildren, Meredith (Joshua) VanderArk, Nathan Viekman, Grace Viekman, Kylea (Clinton) Wilson, Joshua Nielsen, Tia Nielsen, Levi Nielsen, Aryah Nielsen, Silas Nielsen, Mark (Amber) VanderLugt, Amanda (Nick) Holt, Meredith VanderLugt, Luke (Jade) VanderLugt, Leslie Bailey, Niki Strout, Jonathan (Allie Gendreau) VanderLugt, Kristen VanderLugt, Kate VanderLugt, Max Kallemeyn, Grace Kallemeyn, Jessie Kallemeyn; and 19 great grandchildren. She was also survived by her sister, Dixie Lauderdale; brother, Charles Powell; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 11 AM at Trinity Baptist Church, 2050 Aberdeen NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, where friends may visit with her family at 10 AM. Interment will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Africa Inland Mission, International. To read more of Martha’s Life Story, leave a memory, or sign the guestbook, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.