Jacquelyn DeRoos

Jacquelyn was a social, outgoing, take charge kind of woman. She was completely dedicated to the people she loved, always wanting to bring joy and love into their lives in any way that she could.

The Great Depression struck America in 1929, but the economic slump hit the country hard well into the 1930s. It was during these Depression years that Frederick and Thelma (Erhart) Freuh of Grand Rapids welcomed their first child, a girl, whom they named Jacquelyn Ann. Two more girls, Patricia and Marilyn, followed in close succession. To provide for his growing family, Frederick Freuh served in the Navy and, later, worked as a postman. His wife Thelma, meanwhile, worked at Hayes Manufacturing.

Jacquelyn and her sisters attended Colton Grade School. As the oldest, Jacquelyn was the first to move on to Comstock Park High School. Not surprisingly, this outgoing, energetic young woman became quite popular. She was even voted “Class Night Hawk” for her tendency to stay out late. After graduating from Comstock Park High, Jacquelyn began working for Preferred Insurance. She later moved on to a position in the packaging department of Knape and Vogt.

In 1956, Jacquelyn met Marvin Raap Sr. at a social held in nearby Sparta. Marvin and Jacquelyn fell easily into conversation and had soon set a time and place for their first date. They continued dating for the next year, marrying just before Jacquelyn’s 23rd birthday. The wedding was held at St. Anthony’s Church in Grand Rapids on August 3, 1957.

As man and wife, Jacquelyn and Marvin first moved into a home on Davis Avenue NW, then a house on Three Mile Road. Tragically, Marvin died on June 10, 1968 after just 10 years of marriage. This left Jacquelyn alone to raise four children. Russell DeRoos became her friend and soul mate when they married on July 19, 1969.

Jacquelyn and Russell thoroughly enjoyed spending time together, especially while traveling. They went to many destinations around the world, including: Northern Michigan, California, Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, Europe, and the East Coast of the United States. Of all the places they visited, Jacquelyn’s favorite spot was Amish Country in Northern Indiana. It was there that she could go to one of her favorite restaurant, Patchwork Quilt. Although diabetic, Jacquelyn was quite sly and would sneak sweets when she could. She could not help but love the treats she found at Swan Inn, Schnitzelbank and Frankenmuth's Bavarian Inn which were all on her top ten list of great places to eat.

Travel and food certainly did not encompass all of Jacquelyn and Russell’s interests. They volunteered together with Toys for Tots year after year. They also opened their hearts to their friend Jerry Drake, inviting him to share their home for nearly 18 years. Jacquelyn looked to the DeVos and Van Andel families as community role models. She continually strove to emulate their generous spirits. She volunteered time and money to many charities and organizations, including the American Cancer Society and Hospice Mel Trotter Ministries, as well as Greenview Baptist, St. Anthony’s, and City View Churches.

Above all else, Jacquelyn prized the time she was able to spend with her children and grandchildren. She enthusiastically cheered on her grandchildren, attending every sporting event and always looked forward to going out to dinner after the games. Taking her mother and her children to Detroit Tiger’s games was another event Jacquelyn anticipated often. Only Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy were allowed to be watched in her house, and friends and family knew never to call during the hour they aired.

Jacquelyn loved word searches, puzzles, and flower and vegetable gardening, but perhaps her favorite way to spend an afternoon was shopping, especially with her family. During Christmas of 2003, Jacquelyn’s family took on a particularly memorable shopping adventure. In just a matter of minutes, Jacquelyn’s wheelchair was piled so high with presents that she could not even see where she was going. This ridiculous sight became one of the family’s many fond memories of their Jacquelyn.

Jacquelyn maintained incredible energy throughout her life. Her generosity and kindness touched both her family and her entire community. She will be remembered with love and admiration always.

Jacquelyn A. DeRoos died Thursday, December 9, 2004. She was preceded in death by her first husband Marvin Raap, Sr. Members of Jacquelyn’s family include: her husband Russell DeRoos; her children, Debra and Lyle Myers of Grand Rapids, Janet Raap of Walker, Daniel Raap of Ada, Marvin, Jr. and Denise Raap of Walker; five grandchildren Julie and Jill Myers, Megan, Marvin III and Brooke Raap; her sisters, Patricia Holtzlander and Marilyn and Lee Brenner; several nieces and nephews and special friend Jerry Drake who made his home with the DeRoos’ for the past 18 years.

Friends may meet with Jacquelyn’s family on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m at Heritage Lifestory Funeral Home – 851 Leonard N.W. A Life Story Service will be held at the same location Monday at 11 a.m. with Pastor Tom Randall of City View Church officiating. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution to Hospice of Michigan or Gilda’s Club.