Doris Schuiling

With a warm smile and unwavering faith, Doris Schuiling lived a life rich in family and friends. Doris was a woman who led with her heart in all things, never hesitating to volunteer her time and talents in the service of others and to welcome each day as a gift. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Doris confidently faced life's challenges and happily celebrated its joys. In doing so, she proved a powerful role model for living a wholehearted life.

Despite the obvious gloom of the Great Depression and growing conflict in Europe, 1936 held much to celebrate. American track and field athlete Jesse Owens dominated the Summer Olympics in Berlin, the BBC started the first public Television broadcasts in London, and the novel Gone With the Wind was published. As President Roosevelt was elected for a second term, the Hoover Dam began generating hydroelectric power. Nowhere was there more to celebrate than in the home of James and Wilhelmina Boonstra, as they welcomed their daughter, Doris, into their family on February 22 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The second of the 12 Boonstra kids, Doris grew up in the good company of her siblings, Ray, Dennis, Elaine, Ester, Judith, Ardith, Marvin, Larry, Susan, Timothy, and Jim. She helped raise many of her younger siblings in the family home near Richmond Park in northwest Grand Rapids, before the family moved to Marne, Michigan. Doris attended local schools, including Berlin High School, where her current church meets for services.

While attending a church youth group party, Doris immediately caught the eye of Ed Schuiling, who had been invited by a friend. Doris and Ed's relationship quickly grew, and the 18 and 19-year-olds were soon planning to spend the rest of their lives together. On April 30, 1954, the happy couple were united in marriage at Berlin Baptist Church.

After celebrating their nuptials, the newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon to Niagara Falls and a romantic trip to the family cabin near Grayling before settling into married life in an apartment in northwest Grand Rapids. It wasn't long before the couple was overjoyed to become parents when their first son, E.J., was born. Shortly after moving to Poulsbo, Washington, where Ed served as a radar operator in the United States Armed Forces, their second son, David, was born. When Ed completed his service, the family returned to West Michigan and settled into their forever home on Richmond Street, not far from Ed's childhood home.

Doris and Ed welcomed two more sons, Don and Dale, into their family, and Doris devoted herself to creating a loving and supportive home for her children. Once the boys were school-aged, Doris began working a variety of part-time jobs while ensuring she was always home to care for them during the summer. A very caring mother, Doris never shied away from hard work. She held clerical positions; her final position was at an insurance agency.

Lifelong members of Berlin Baptist Church, Doris and Ed, frequently volunteered their time and talents in service of their community. Any event that happened at church, Doris was sure to be there. She taught Sunday School, volunteered in the church nursery, and was the church organist, to name just a few of the things she did. Doris also played slow-pitch softball for many years for the church league; she was the star. While doing all that, she also completed one year of Bible College taking night classes, earning a diploma.

A trusted servant in her community, Doris not only made many of her children's clothes, but she also enjoyed volunteering, teaching sewing, and cooking for 4-H and worked at a few local fairs. She played piano for the Adult Education group when they went to sing at local nursing homes, too. Doris was also well known for providing delicious meals and homemade baked goods for family and friends, especially during times of great challenge.

In retirement, Doris and Ed enjoy several trips including Maine, Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada. They took their grandkids on vacations many times, and enjoyed a memorable trip to the World's Fair in Seattle. Their cabin north of Grayling was always a place of restorative recreation and fun. Doris relished attending their children's and grandchildren's special events, proudly cheering on their every endeavor. When Doris needed more ongoing support, she moved into a care facility, where Ed joined her this past February.

As we celebrate Doris' life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying her legacy of faith, hope, and love forward. In each moment we generously volunteer to support others, greet the day with grace and gratitude, cheer on our loved ones' hopes and dreams, lovingly create a delicious meal, and cherish time shared with family and friends, we keep Doris' memory alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us.

Doris Marie Schuiling, age 89, entered her heavenly home on November 29, 2025. Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Edward, and daughter-in-law, Debra Schuiling. Brothers-in-law, Ken Schuiling, Ladd LeBlond, Don Koster, Duane Binney, and sister-in-law Marilyn Boonstra. She is survived by her children E.J. Schuiling, David (Carol) Schuiling, Don (Deb) Schuiling, Dale (Penny) Schuiling; grandchildren, Dustin (Jesse) Schuiling, Erica (Cody) Kooman, Kelly (Tom) Fields, Julie (Joe) Custer, Ben (Sarah) Schuiling, Laura Schuiling, Chad Schuiling, Caleb Schuiling, Shelby Schuiling, Lucy Schuiling, Emma (Kaleb) Farmer, Abby Schuiling; and 12 great grandchildren.

Also surviving are her siblings Ray Boonstra, Dennis and Joyce Boonstra, Elaine Binney, Esther LeBlond, Judith and Milt Boeger, Ardith and Tom Moe, Marvin and Louise Boonstra, Larry and Joyce Boonstra, Susan and Gary Gerbers, Timothy and Judith Boonstra, Jim and Rhoda Boonstra; sisters-in-law Ruth (Bob) DeWitt, Mary Bursma, Connie Schuiling, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Her funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 11 AM at Berlin Baptist Church, 14141 State Street, Marne, MI 49435. Friends may visit with family on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 3 PM to 6 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, and beginning at 10 AM on December 4, 2025, at the church. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Berlin Baptist Church. To read more of Doris' Life Story, leave a memory, or sign the guestbook, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.