Ann Wolters

A gracious and compassionate woman, Ann Wolters was a gift given to those around her. She was a loving wife and devoted mother who viewed her ever-blossoming family as a priceless treasure. Ann could always find the silver lining in every situation as she fully embraced both the great joys and the deep sorrows along her life’s journey. She loved traveling with her husband by her side, taking in so much of the beauty the world has to offer. Ann will be remembered for her gentle touch, her sensitive spirit, and her unending love for those around her. She will be deeply missed while her memory remains forever near and dear to the hearts of those she leaves behind.

The decade of the 1930s was cloaked in hardship due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression throughout the entire decade. With an unemployment rate that soared to over 25 percent, countless Americans found themselves without work and without homes. To make matters worse, a devastating drought blanketed the nation’s heartland for many years, only heightening the strain on an already crippled agricultural industry. Despite the circumstances around them, a young couple from Lansing, Michigan, experienced unspeakable joy when they welcomed a baby girl into their hearts and home on April 26, 1932. Baby Ann was the younger of two girls born to her parents, Hugh and Lucille (Paukett) Walker, and was raised in the family home alongside her sister, Nell Jeanne. Her father worked as a civil engineer while her mother was a homemaker and teacher.

Ann was born deaf, but she never let her condition limit her. She worked hard as a student and had the same teacher from her kindergarten year all the way through her years in college. Ann even won the Michigan state lipreading contest as a teenager.

Life was forever changed for Ann when she met the man with whom she would establish the family she so deeply loved. His name was Edward Steenwyk, and they met at a dance class at Michigan State. A dating relationship ensued over the couple of years that followed, but they were separated for a time while Ed served in Japan as a soldier in the United States Army.

Deeply in love, Ann and Ed were married in the mid-fifties and settled into a place on the northwest side of Grand Rapids. Together they were blessed with two children: Timothy and Cynthia. Ann focused her attention on caring for their children while also working outside of the home at times. For several years Ann worked at Wolverine Brass Works, and she later spent 22 years working at Hudson’s. Life drastically changed for Ann with the death of her husband in the early seventies.

New and exciting changes were in store for Ann when she became reacquainted with a man named Gordon Wolters whom she had met while she was working at Wolverine Brass. They began communication with one another when Ann sent him a condolence card after hearing about the death of his first wife. A relationship blossomed from there, and they were married on June 30, 1993, in front of the fireplace at her cottage on Long Lake near Traverse City. The fireplace always held a special place in Ann’s heart as her father had remodeled it extensively through the years. Gordon had children of his own, too, and Ann always treated them graciously out of sensitivity towards the love they had for their mother. She never forced herself on them, but waited for them to accept her in their own time.

Through the years there were numerous things that greatly enriched Ann’s life. She enjoyed swimming and most mornings found her in the pool at the local YMCA. Ann also earned her certification as a lifeguard. Ann always loved spending time at the cottage on Long Lake and with a love for the water, she and Gord took 15 cruises together and spent time in the Caribbean as often as they could. Their travels also took them to Alaska and Mexico.

As her friends and family can attest, eating a meal in Ann’s home was an event to remember. She was a firm believer in having a properly set table that was a sight to behold free from pots and pans of all kinds. In addition Ann was an extraordinary cook whose cinnamon rolls were legendary as was her seven layer salad.

Life became more challenging for Ann and her loved ones when she was diagnosed with cancer of the stomach lining. She soon underwent major surgery and bravely fought against the disease for the three years that followed. Sadly, full recovery was not to be for Ann.

Although we will miss Ann Wolters deeply, we will remember the way she made us laugh, how she went over and above to make others feel special, and the endless love she freely gave to everyone around her. She was a woman of grace who was content in whatever life brought, even when the path before her was not an easy one. Ann was a beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who leaves behind a shining legacy that will be carried on in the lives of those who follow her.

Ann E. Wolters died on Thursday, January 5, 2012. Ann’s family includes her husband, Gordon; children, Timothy Steenwyk of Grand Rapids, Cynthia (Timothy) Westra of Spring Lake, Sharon (Dale) Hoekwater of Jenison, Pamela Oleniczak of N. Carolina, Steven (Elizabeth) Wolters of Walker, Jodi (Dale) Moelker of Middleville, David (Sandra) Wolters of Comstock Park; 20 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; sister, Nell Jeanne (Dick) Nash of Traverse City, brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, E. Bud Koorndyk and Loren (Betty) Wolters as well as several nieces and nephews. Ann was preceded in death by her first husband, Edward Steenwyk. Funeral services will be held Monday at 1 p.m. at Central Reformed Church, 10 College NE with Dr. Louis Lotz officiating. Interment in Spring Lake Cemetery. Friends may greet the family on Sunday from 6-9 p.m. at Heritage Lifestory Funeral Homes Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. and at the church on Monday for one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to Camp Geneva and Retreat Center, 3995 Lakeshore Dr, Holland MI 49424 or Faith Hospice Trillium Woods, 8214 Pfeiffer Farms Dr SW, Byron Center, 49315. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Ann or to sign her online guest book.