June Meyer

June Meyer was a wonderful lady who was known for being a loyal friend, a dedicated mother and a doting grandmother and great grandmother. Throughout her life, June touched many people through her volunteer work, her unconditional support and the unforgettable family get-togethers, playing a mean game of "Shanghai."

In the year 1915, life was changing rapidly. Under the direction of President Woodrow Wilson, the United States was embracing the industrial revolution and Americans celebrated the completion of the one-millionth Ford automobile. Although current events were definitely exciting in the U.S., for Frederick and Jennie (Donker) Van Ostenburg of Grand Rapids, Michigan, the most exciting event of the year was the birth of their daughter, June, on June 14, 1915.

Although an only child, June created many unforgettable childhood memories with her best and lifelong friend, Doris DeBoer. Doris was a mere ten days older than June and they grew up just two houses away from each other. Practically joined at the hip, June and Doris were bound together through life- sharing everything together. They attended the same schools, graduating from Central High School the same year, went to the same church, Bethany Reformed Church, and even worked together at Globe Knitting Works. And of course, when the big day came to walk down the aisle, they were there for each other's weddings, standing up as maids of honor. With all the time the girls spent together, their parents couldn't help but be friends too. Incredibly, in later years, Doris worked at Calvin College and became good friends with June's grandchildren, who were students there. June made friends with everyone she met. She was a member of the "Girl's Club" with about 8 other women. They enjoyed their friendships and meetings so much that they continued to get together until a few years ago when physical limitations made it too difficult.

A wonderful thing happened to June one Sunday evening while walking home from church; she met a handsome young man named Martin Meyer, who became her one true love. The feeling was quite mutual for Martin too, and the young couple was married on August 29, 1935. Over the next several years, they were blessed with four children, Mary Ruth and Rosemary, who sadly died in infancy (Mary in 1941 and Rosemary in 1943), Norman born in 1937, and Marvin in 1948. June stayed home with the children, wanting to dedicate her time to raising her sons well. Her loving support and guidance allowed her boys to succeed. When her sons were older, June worked outside the home for a short time and later volunteered at polling stations for many years.

Spending time with her family meant the most to June. She stayed very close to her mother, talking on the phone with her every day, as well as with her children. As her boys grew older, June was blessed with eight wonderful grandchildren and eight precious great-grandchildren, each of whom brought another incredible blessing to her life. She loved to babysit for them whenever possible and even stayed overnight on occasion. The grandchildren, however, have many special memories of sleepovers at Gramma's and playing games together. Their homemade cards would always bring a smile to her face and a treasure to her heart. One of her family's favorite memories was taking June to a Chinese restaurant and then back home for a big game of Shanghai, one of June's favorite card games. Their last big game was just before June's 90th birthday, and everyone had a great time.

Besides caring for her family, June had many talents around the house. She liked to knit and was a very good cook, especially when it came to baking. Her delicious cakes and pies were the family favorites. She and Martin made a good team in the garden - Martin would sow the seed and June would harvest their bounty. They would also pick their own fruit each year for canning. When it came to relaxing, June and Martin enjoyed traveling, especially with their good friends, Betty and John Ten Harkel. Together, they visited places like the Rocky Mountains, Black Hills, New York and later went overseas to Europe . Later in life, both couples moved to Fulton Manor, where they became "across the hall" neighbors. She and Martin also visited Marvin and his family in California each year. After June lost her beloved Martin, she sought comfort from her "neighbors," but also drew on her own quiet, independent spirit to get through each day.

A woman of great faith, June was a longtime member of the Creston Christian Reformed Church, which she and Martin joined after marrying. In addition, she was active in the neighborhood evangelism, Sunday services at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, the North Park Chapel, Ladies Bible Study and Hospitality Committee. Through the years, June's compassion and confidence in her faith shone like a beacon - beaming and hopeful for everyone around her.

Of all the wonderful things in June's life, her greatest joy was found in her family. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and was completely content with what she had been given. Her kindness and humility will be remembered forever.

June Meyer died on Wednesday, July 6, 2005. She was preceded in death by her husband, Martin Meyer, and her children, Norman, Rosemary and Mary Ruth. June is remembered as a devoted mother by her son, Marvin (Bonita) and daughter-in-law, Joanna Meyer, as a special Grandma by Jeffrey (Vicki), Joan (Dale) Hulst, David (Heidi), Daniel, Anthony (Stacey), Stephen, Jonathan, and Elisabeth, as "Cookie Grandma" by her eight great-grandchildren, as a dear friend of 90 years by Doris De Boer, and as a precious sister-in-law by Jean Meyer. Her love for Christ was reflected in her gracious, gentle spirit, her joyful way of living, and her love for family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, at the Fulton Manor Chapel, 1450 East Fulton, with visitation for one hour prior to the service. Interment is in Washington Park Memorial Park. Please visit June's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to the Children's Ministry Program of Creston Christian Reformed Church.