Roy Bolthouse

Roy Bolthouse was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather known for his strong faith and work ethic and his unwavering dedication to his family. Known for his selfless acts of service for his family as well as his church community, there is no doubt that his life held special meaning and touched the hearts of many. Sadly, he is gone, yet he leaves behind a wonderful collection of memories for his loved ones to cherish forever.

1933 was marked by tough economic times, yet it also saw an expansion of new technologies, especially in the areas of radio and film. Bernard and Petranella (VandenBerge) Bolthouse were excited to welcome the arrival of their new baby boy on March 10 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His birth was at the home of one of his aunts, where he was received into the loving arms of his parents. Born the seventh of eight children, there was never a dull moment in the Bolthouse household.

Roy grew up in a modest two-bedroom home on Coit on the NE side of town. His family grew their own vegetables and sold them at the local market. The younger kids were accustomed to accompanying their mother to the market each week. These moments instilled in him a love of farming. Roy walked three miles to Oakview School as a young student. By 1944, the family moved to a large farmhouse on Hall Street on the east side of the city. Cascade Elementary School was also within a short distance from home, where Roy continued his education. His family valued education as well as a strong foundation of faith. They attended Calvary Undenominational Church. Roy accepted Christ as his personal savior in his teenage years. His high school career began at Central High. His sister would drop him off at Calvary Church on her way to work until the school opened. Just a few years later, they settled in Marne. Roy transferred to Coopersville High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1951. After graduation, he started work on the family farm. Farming became his true passion throughout his life.

While at Coopersville, he was introduced to the love of his life, June Esther. They were exceptionally smitten with one another and joined in marriage at Coopersville Reformed Church on March 13, 1953. Roy served in the United States Army and was stationed at Camp Atterbury in Indiana during their early years. Following discharge from the service, he and June moved to Lincoln Street, and just a year later, they built a home on Lincoln Street in Marne. Throughout his life, Roy would remodel or assist in building eight homes where they raised their family. He continued working on the farm, but enrolled in the School of Bible and Music in 1954 to become a Pastor. Roy proudly graduated with honors in 1958. A highlight of this time was spending time with June as camp counselors at Camp Barakel. They kept evolving and later purchased a farm and remodeled the farmhouse on the property. Together, they welcomed home three beautiful children who lit up their lives: Pat, Barry, and Chuck.

Roy was a softspoken man around town, but back at home, his kids knew they were depended on for daily chores around the farm. He had an incredible amount of expectations for their level of work as well. His kids grew to appreciate any amount of time they had to recover from long hours in the fields. Despite their busy schedules, they made time to bond as a family. He modeled for his children a strong devotion to their church community at the Ottawa Center Chapel near Coopersville. He gave much of his time and resources to serve in many capacities, including musical director. Parishioners fell in love with his strong baritone voice and ability to lead them in worship. When he was struck with illness in 1966, he stepped away from farming and returned to schooling at Grand Valley State College, where he earned his teaching degree.

He and June moved their young family to Hastings, where they were active with the Quimby Methodist Church. Roy held a wonderful role as a 6th grade math and science teacher at Saranac, Vermontville, and Maple Valley Schools. By 1973, they returned to Grand Rapids, where Roy went into business with his brothers, developing Bolthouse Bros. Growers. This led to a lifetime of satisfaction and time to remain active in his faith life with the Grand Valley Baptist Church. Roy took a strong interest in His Hands Ministries, visiting Honduras, Guatemala, and Venezuela. They also had the chance to travel as a family, visiting 18 countries and 19 states. Many memories were also made during trips to visit his brother, both in Costa Rica and in California. He enjoyed traveling, but June was the one who really had the initiative to plan their itineraries. Roy and June landed in Tallmadge for a time, where they continued their involvement in the church at Tallmadge Community Church. Active and engaged in his community, he was elected Trustee of Tallmadge Township, where he was able to serve the public and help local farmers.

During their later years, they enjoyed winters in Florida and then in Bibleville, Texas, for several years. In Bibleville, he was the music director of Bucharoos. Along with directing concerts, he wrote narration, selected music, and appointed soloists. Roy had an amazing ear for music and a natural gift as a musical artist. In his spare time, Roy enjoyed sketching and puttering with modifications on custom machinery, leading to more productive and efficient farming. He was very handy and would never think of paying anyone for work that he could figure out on his own. Anyone who knew him trusted in his experience and expertise in farming as well as his skills in construction or carpentry.

Sadly, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and then his lovely bride passed away in 2020. As a result, he lived at home with help until he needed more care and moved to Story Point. Now he is gone. His wonderful ability to share so much of his wisdom and compassion will be a lasting legacy. Described as generous, faithful, and hardworking, Roy was a remarkable man to know and to love. May his family never doubt the special love he held for each of them, and may his memories be eternal.

Roy B. Bolthouse, age 92, of Marne, MI, passed away September 30, 2025. We shall miss him here on Earth, and when God calls us to come, we shall be with him again. Roy is preceded in death by his wife, June; daughter, Patricia Rider; siblings, Marie Bolthouse, Walter (Roberta) Bolthouse, Jay (Joyce) Bolthouse, Ruth (Lyle) Hoffer, and Esther (Ralph) Esther.

Roy is survived by his sons, Barry (Julie) Bolthouse of Marne, and Charles Bolthouse of Marne; grandchildren, Shannon, Kelly, Jack, Randal, Christopher, Cameron, Caleb, Connor, Elise, Kaya; and several great-grandchildren; Bernie (Sue) Bolthouse of Marne; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Roy was a simple and humble servant of God. His passions were farming and serving others. Missions became a delight for Roy, the handyman, serving the Lord with resources, talent, and time.

The service to remember and celebrate Roy’s life will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 2 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel. Friends are invited to visit with Roy’s family beginning at 1 PM. Entombment will follow in Rosedale Memorial Park. For those who wish, memorial donations made to Pine Ridge Bible Camp are appreciated. To share a memory, or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com