Loay Dreyer

With a journey that spanned nearly a century filled with laughter and love, Loay Dreyer touched countless lives through her compassion and generosity. She was a constant source of strength and encouragement, and as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and even great-great-grandmother, she was the heartbeat of her family. Already dearly missed, Loay will be forever loved.

The late 1920s were among some of the most exciting years to be alive in the United States of America. The “Roaring 20s,” as the decade is remembered, ushered in an era of great innovation. Motion pictures were finally becoming widely available in color and sound, and ballroom dancing and jazz music had taken the nation by storm. It was during these influential years that Fred and Flora (Hathaway) Terwee of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were celebrating the arrival of their baby girl. Loay Jane made her entrance into the world on March 7th of 1928. She was an only child throughout her formative years but would eventually become an older sister to Thomas, who was 19 years her junior.

In most ways, Loay grew up as a typical girl of her generation. Much of her childhood was spent in the family home on Cummings NW. Loay began her education attending a nearby one-room schoolhouse on Cummings. She was a social butterfly and built many long-lasting friendships, and she would remember hitchhiking into Grand Rapids with friends to see a movie or go ice skating. As a girl, Loay often visited extended family in Petoskey. The area would forever hold a special place in her heart. Loay attended Union High School, graduating in 1946. She spent one summer during WWII working downtown, doing her part for the war effort by folding parachutes for the troops. Following high school, Loay stepped into the workforce with a job in the jewelry department. at Steketee’s Department Store.

New and exhilarating changes were on the horizon for Loay as she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. Her friend Maxine’s boyfriend introduced her to one of his buddies, Norman Dreyer. The two began dating, and a romance blossomed. Head over heels in love, Loay and Norm were married in the presence of their family and friends on August 5, 1950. The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon to Niagara Falls. Eventually, Loay and Norm settled down into their home on Luce Street in Tallmadge Township. It began as a simple block home, but they soon built a larger home on the property.

In the years that followed, Loay and Norm were overjoyed to welcome their four beloved children into their hearts. Tragically, their oldest daughter passed away at birth. Loay thrived as a mother to David, Charles, and Deanna. Her children were her world, and she poured her heart and soul into raising them. Loay kept an amazing home and cooked wonderful meals for her family, including her famous Sunday pot roast cooked on the stovetop in her trusty Guardian Service Roaster. She also enjoyed baking treats for the kids, like her chocolate chip cookies as well as banket and cookies around Christmas. Loay and Norm worked together to keep excellent care of their garden. She learned to can the fruits and vegetables they grew, keeping the family well-fed all year round.

After several years off while raising her children, Loay was ready to return to work at Steketee’s. She worked in housewares and china, then even managed the fashion department for a time before eventually returning to jewelry. Loay was given the chance to participate in fashion shows at the Eastbrook Mall location. She was a natural saleswoman, and she truly enjoyed chatting with her customers. With a love for shopping herself, Loay put her employee discount to good use, though she was usually shopping for thoughtful gifts for others. In later years, she enjoyed shopping elsewhere with friends as well.

Throughout their many years together, Loay and Norm spent most of their time close to home, though they did take a memorable trip to Branson. After she lost her Norm in 1999, Loay was determined to remain independent. She learned all of the skills that she had depended on Norm for, including mowing the lawn and blowing snow. Loay also found enjoyment in traveling, whether it be on bus trips to Branson, a vacation to Hawaii, or more local getaways to Shipshewana and Frankenmouth. As her family continued to grow to include several grandchildren, Loay was thrilled to become a doting grandmother. She was a constant presence and source of support in the lives of her grandkids. Loay even got to welcome several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren into the world. Holidays with family and friends were always her favorite time of year. Of course, Loay’s beloved dog, Abby, was a part of the family as well.

In her free time, Loay could often be found birdwatching and enjoying nature in her backyard. She knit countless afghans, sweaters, mittens, and dishcloths over the years. Loay was an avid fan of country music. She loved reading biographies from many of her favorite artists, but she was especially fond of Daniel O’Donnell. The copy of his book that he had signed for Loay on her 90th birthday was one of her most prized possessions.

As friends and family members will certainly agree, to know Loay Dreyer was to be loved fiercely and unconditionally. Her warm and outgoing personality drew others in, and she was always willing to go above and beyond to care for those around her. Although life will not be the same without Loay here, she leaves behind a priceless legacy of kindness and integrity that her loved ones can be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Loay Jane (Terwee) Dreyer, age 98 of Grand Rapids, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 23, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman, in 1999. Loay is survived by her children: David & Cheryl Dreyer, Charles & Julie Dreyer, Deanna Hart (Bruce Reminga); grandchildren: David (Sarah) Dreyer, Danielle (Todd) VanderLaan, Andrea (Michael) Swanson, Travis (Rebekah) Hart; and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brother, Thomas Terwee; as well as nieces, nephews and friends, and her beloved dog, Abby.

Loay was a longtime employee of Steketee’s Department Store and a longtime resident of Tallmadge Township. She was happiest in the company of her family and friends.

The service to remember and celebrate Loay’s life will be held on Friday, August 28 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends are invited to visit with Loay’s family on Thursday from 5-8 PM and on Friday beginning at 10 AM. For those who wish, memorial donations to either Faith Hospice or the Humane Society of West Michigan. Loay’s family expresses their gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Green Acres Standale and at Faith Hospice for their loving care and support. To read more about Loay, to share a memory or photo, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com