Mildred J. Grit

GRIT - Mildred Jane “Millie” Grit, aged 95 years, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 14, 2026 into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She was born on April 6, 1931, at the home of her parents, Clarence and Elizabeth Schuiling, on Cogswell St in Grand Rapids.

She attended Fairview School up to the 10th grade and was a graduate of Union High School.

Millie enjoyed basketball and played center guard for her school’s team, the Fairview Sparklets, who won the 1947 championship, and also the Fairview Reformed Church team, who won the Pink Church League Championship in 1955. She later bowled on the Grand Rapids City team which also won the city tournament.

On April 12, 1957, the city girl married a country boy - the love of her life - Marvin Grit, at Fairview Reformed Church. Together they’ve enjoyed the blessing of a beautiful marriage for over 69 years.

Millie worked at Lear where she was affectionately known as the “Sunshine Girl of the Payroll Department.” She retired in 1992 after forty years of employment there.

Millie loved the Lord Jesus Christ, and the many friends who often visited at her home - many from churches that she and Marv had been members of including Fairview Reformed, Seventh Reformed, and currently of Walker United Reformed Church. She was a blessing to all who knew her; neighbors, family, and friends.

However, one of her greatest joys came from being a Sunday School teacher for over 30 years and teaching little children about the Lord and singing “Jesus Loves Me” with them.

Millie is survived by her beloved husband, Marv, who is grateful for the love and support from many friends who will dearly miss Millie. He is also thankful for the caregivers of Faith Hospice and Meca’s Angels. Millie is also survived by her brother-in-law, Donald Grit, and sister-in-law, Shirley Grit.

The funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday August 19, 2026 at Walker United Reformed Church, 1941 Randall Ave NW. Visitation will be held at church from 9:30 AM until the start of the service. Interment in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Walker United Reformed Church Building Fund. Celebrate Millie’s life by sharing a favorite memory or picture on her dedicated memory page at heritagelifestory.com