Katherine Stevens

Loving, generous, and kind, Katherine Stevens lived a life rich in faith and family. Quiet and friendly, Katherine never required the spotlight. Though she was grounded in her ideas, with a stubborn streak if she disagreed, and didn't like change, Katherine was content to humbly serve others without calling attention to her generosity. Katherine enjoyed life's simple pleasures, whether cooking a meal for loved ones, serving her church fellowship, spending a day at the beach, or making an annual trip with her beloved; she always led with her heart. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, Katherine will long be remembered by those she so dearly loved.

1944 marked a time when the war effort in Europe directly impacted all American lives. While countless young people actively served in the trenches of WWII, those who remained stateside poured their energies into supporting the war effort in any way they could. As Americans welcomed the end of meat rationing and began planting Victory Gardens, Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the G.I. Bill and soon became the only U.S. president to be elected to a fourth term. As the nation looked toward peace, Steven & Elsie (Spencer) Kolonich welcomed their daughter, Katherine Mary, to their family on December 3 in East Tawas, Michigan.

As Katherine's Dad was in the Navy when she was born, they first met when she was four months old. The second of six children, Katherine enjoyed the good company of her older brother, three younger brothers, and younger sister. With the Lake Huron shore as her playground, Katherine enjoyed any time spent at the beach. Her father was an independent Pulp Wood Cutter who was gone for weeks at a time, living in a tent in the woods and working. As the oldest girl, Katherine had many household duties and was instrumental in raising her younger siblings. On the occasions she went with him to work, she enjoyed being in the woods, often alongside the Au Sable River.

Katherine loved to work and started babysitting at a young age. In addition to babysitting as much as she could, she also worked at the five-and-dime store and Marian's Dairy Barn. Summers spent with her Grandma Spencer on the River in Mio, Michigan, were treasured, as was dancing. A good student at East Tawas High School, Katherine loved to tap dance and won two Twister contests with her brother, Gary.

When Katherine's brother went to barber school in Detroit, He introduced Katherine to Robert "Bob" Stevens, who was from West Michigan and a fellow barber school student. The pair hit it off and were soon a steady couple. A year later, they were happily married on March 26, 1964, in Allendale, Michigan. The wedding was on a Thursday because Bob had to get back to work in Detroit.

The newlyweds started their life together in Detroit in the turbulent years of the 60's. Then, they moved to Lowell for a couple of years before Bob found his longtime shop in Walker, Michigan. After renting a house for a few years near Coopersville, Katherine and Bob moved into what would become their home for nearly 50 years.

Over the years, Katherine and Bob were blessed to welcome three children to their family. The first was Vaughn, followed a few years later by Deena. Fourteen years later, Steve completed the family. Though Bob worked many hours at the barber shop, Katherine's priority was the family, and she never failed them. She'd run to get Bob change, grab supplies, bring him lunch, and do his bookwork, all while tending the home and ensuring the good care of their children.

Loving and present for her kids, Katherine rarely missed any of their events, but she found time on and off for some side jobs to help as well. Some of the jobs she held included working at the Meijer corporate cafeteria, the Allendale bowling alley (where she also loved to bowl), the Burger Den in Standale, and as an assistant at Beacon Light Adult Home in Marne. She also loved her time as a teacher's aide at Kenowa Hills High School.

Practical and a saver, Katherine never threw something away that might prove useful in the future. She was also a great cook and excellent seamstress, making the best stuffed cabbage, an authentic Hungarian meal, and a lot of things for the kids, from clothing to Halloween costumes to afghans. Having grown up without many extras, Katherine knew what it was like to go without. She learned to masterfully stretch a budget and make things work, so her kids never felt the lack of what they needed or wanted. Katherine had a keen eye for those who struggled and found creative ways to quietly provide them with a needed meal or other resources without ever drawing attention to it.

Katherine's love for the beach inspired many daytime trips to Lake Michigan and Ferrysburg. She loved both the water and the sun, and swimming. When she and Bob put in a pool, it became a regular gathering place for family, and where she joyfully taught all her grandchildren to swim.

Katherine and Bob were active members of Tallmadge Church, where she generously taught Sunday school for forty years, cleaned the building (with her family in tow), and helped with luncheons and other activities. For about forty years, Katherine and Bob enjoyed an annual trip over the bridge; she looked forward to it every year.

Immensely proud of her children and grandchildren, Katherine supported them in all their endeavors, attending their special events and relishing in having her family close for many years. Sunday afternoons when they all gathered together were cherished gifts. Katherine kept a tightly knit family and enjoyed teaching her grandchildren to craft. While making applesauce with them, she'd coach, "Keep adding that sugar," and remind them that the most important ingredient was love. The family was all together for Thanksgiving, and last week, as many gathered following a baptism, Katherine was in her joy, holding little ones.

As we celebrate Katherine's life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying her legacy of humble service and unwavering love forward. In each moment we use our gifts to make life a bit easier for those with heavier burdens, spend a day at the lake, gather for a family celebration, cheer on our loved ones' goals and dreams, and ensure everything we do comes from a place of love, we keep Katherine's memory alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us.

Katherine Stevens, age 81 of Grand Rapids, passed away in the comforts of her home on December 11, 2025, and joined her Heavenly Father. Katherine devoted her life to her family and will dearly missed by her husband, Bob; their children Vaughn & Patty Stevens, Deena & Brent Cook, Steve & Kendra Stevens; grandchildren Jessica (Nick) Kortman, Travis (Leslie) Cook, Jenelle (Brian) Johnston, Catherine Cook (Aaron Hogan), Chelsey (Bart) Williams, Mason Stevens, Elsie Mae Stevens, Elijah Stevens; as well as 11 great-grandchildren; siblings Gary (Sandy) Kolonich, Ken Kolonich, Zora Shirey; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Linda Kolonich, Paula Kolonich, Madelyn (John) Schrotenboer, David (Faye) Stevens; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Katherine was preceded in death by her brothers, Beryl and Gilbert, and sister-in-law Carla Kolonich.

Her funeral service will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 11 AM at The Beloved Church (formerly Living Waters Church), 1428 Leonard Street in Tallmadge Township. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Friends are invited to visit with her family on Sunday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel. To read more about Katherine, to share a memory or photo, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com