Tami Groothuis

Curious, courageous, and determined, Tamra "Tami" Lynn Groothuis lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. Tami embodied the principles of her faith, leading with her heart in all things and never hesitating to lend a hand to those in need. She enthusiastically welcomed opportunities to learn and confidently faced life's challenges. Tami's dynamic personality inspired deep friendships, great adventures, and countless laughs. With legendary moxie, Tami lived each moment to the fullest and, in so doing, inspired all who were blessed to know her to do the same. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, practitioner, and friend, Tami will long be remembered and missed by those she so dearly loved.

It is fitting that such a vibrant, full life began amid much celebration and fanfare; 1976 was just such a year! From coast to coast, the United States celebrated the 200th anniversary of The Declaration of Independence with Bicentennial flair. Nadia Comaneci inspired worldwide fervor and hope in the impossible with an unprecedented seven perfect scores during the Summer Olympics, while Jim Henson's Muppet Show first took stage in our family living rooms, inspiring unexpected delight for many. Meanwhile, Apple Computer Company officially came into existence as the unique $2.00 bill was first printed. Families often enjoyed the weekly laughter-filled entertainment found in popular shows like Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, and Three's Company. During this time of excitement and hope, Roger G. and Karla (Kortman) Laninga welcomed their daughter, Tami, into their family on September 25 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Naturally social and outgoing, Tami was always an entertainer as a child. She would direct the playground from her playpen, and enjoyed wonderful times with her friends, Julie and Jill. She and her older sister, Shanda, played Barbies together, and whenever Shanda's friends were over, Tami was included. Throughout the years, she and Shanda were always very supportive of each other. The family had a golden retriever, Brandy, who was very special.

Tami attended Calvin Christian Schools from 3 year old preschool through twelfth grade. Her friends included Cyndie and Julie, and her activities included participating in the Wyoming Wahoos age-group swim team. She had an amazing stroke and swam both distance freestyle and backstroke. During the warmer seasons, she and her family enjoyed spending time at their cottage on Gun Lake, where she, Shanda, and their dad relished countless hours on the water, swimming and waterskiing.

During high school, Tami participated in the ski club with friends, played tennis, was a cheerleader, and sang in the choir. She also worked as a swim instructor and lifeguard at Jackson Park Pool.

After graduating from Calvin Christian High School in 1994, Tami chose to further her education at Calvin College. Tami never shied away from a challenge, and while pursuing her nursing degree, she also played college tennis for three years, swam for the school her senior year, and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Butterworth. She was very close to her friends, Julie, Jodee, Tracie, Laura and Rachael.

Tami graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1998 and immediately began working at Butterworth in several departments. During her time at Butterworth, she worked in Cardiac Medical Surgery, Critical Care, Labor and Delivery, and Postpartum. She also worked as a travel nurse in Santa Barbara for a short time with co-worker, Jennifer. In addition to nursing, Tami liked jogging and riding her bike while scouting houses for sale in the area. She would talk over her finds with her mom, who was a realtor, and eventually, they found the right house on Ridgewood SE. As the house had three bedrooms, she rented to two of her friends, Sarah and Jennifer. Later, after adding a bed and bathroom to the basement for an extra renter, Sarah's brother moved in.

An eager lifelong learner, Tami returned to school at Grand Valley to become a nurse practitioner. As an NP, Tami worked in several fields, including Spinal Clinic, Infectious Disease, Gastroenterology, Cancer, and Hematology, and, lastly, with Dr. Coleen App.

While studying at Grand Valley and with her friend Sarah at Woodland Mall, she ran into an old classmate, Rob Groothuis. Rob invited her to a St Paddy's Day party. Soon after, they began dating, and with their hearts set on sharing the future, they married on May 4, 2002, at South Grandville Christian Reformed Church.

The happy couple settled into Rob's home on Wrenwood, which was very near their very close friends Jim and Rachel VanDyken. Tami worked third shift, while Rob worked for Hager Lumber. Sadly, Tami suddenly lost her father to Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) just a month after diagnosis in 2005.

The Groothuis family shared many joyful memories with the VanDyken and Nichols families, affectionately dubbing themselves the “Vangrootols.” Together, they had many family adventures, from a memorable houseboat vacation on Lake Cumberland in 2019 to an epic trip out West in 2021. In between, there were so many other cherished memories shared together as families, from movie and game nights to pool parties and boat days at Gun Lake.

In 2006, Tami and Rob were delighted to become parents when their son, Isaac, was born. Three years later, in 2009, their family was complete when they welcomed their daughter, Audrey. Tami loved being a mom. Her children will always remember her singing "Jesus Tender" every night before bed. She also wanted them to be as comfortable around water as she was, and she taught them to swim, holding and encouraging them as infants and toddlers during their lessons. She was so excited when they moved in 2013 to Eagle Rock SW and a house that finally had a pool.

As a mom, Tami was compassionate and empathetic, seeing others beyond her own experiences and circumstances. She ensured her family felt safe, loved, and supported, while also providing for learning and adventure. They enjoyed many bike rides down Kent Trails to Byron Center to get ice cream at Houseman's, to Tippy Cow for ice cream, or to school to play on the playground. During COVID, they enjoyed lots of family hikes and anything else they could do outdoors as a family.

Tami loved to sing and dance, especially to upbeat Christian music and all kinds of love songs. She had a beautiful voice, and Rob came to know that when he came home to Tami's singing, everything was in balance. She sang in the praise team at South Grandville and Ivanrest Church, and she was the one who danced up on the stage. She kept a sign in the kitchen that said, "This kitchen is for dancing," and fondly remembered taking dance lessons with Rob before their wedding.

In June of 2014, Tami received the shocking diagnosis of breast cancer, which led to other diagnoses, many treatments, and numerous complications. As with all things in her life, Tami faced these challenges with grit, resolve, unwavering strength, and deep commitment to her family. Her love for life amplified, and her passion for learning and reading grew to include many medical books and articles on cancer, treatments, nutrition, and coping skills for her and her family. The family's golden retriever, Grady, who enjoyed lots of walks at Grand Ravine Park, became Tami's "therapy" dog and was always by her side. They had a special bond until Grady died in 2025.

Though it was a real blow after a tumor damaged one of her vocal cords, and she couldn't sing anymore, Tami never lost her inquisitive nature. She was always interested in others and how she could support them, often asking with genuine curiosity and care, "What's your story?" For several years, she worked at the YMCA, teaching different classes, including spinning, swimming, senior fitness, Fit for Life, and Live Strong. She developed a strong following of committed attendees and taught until she was physically unable to do so.

Tami found joy in life's simple pleasures, including the soft, cozy things, the color pink, and tacos, which allowed her to have all the tastes at once. Her family was her heart's delight; she cherished every moment they shared and fought relentlessly to be with them for as long as possible. After recently being diagnosed with liver tumors, she stayed home with assistance from her family and Faith Hospice. When her care required more care and support, she moved to their Trillium Woods location.

Though our days with Tami were far too few, every moment we shared is a gift we will always treasure. As we celebrate her beautiful life, may we find deep comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying her legacy of faith, hope, and love forward. In each moment we lead with kindness and compassion, welcome the day as a gift, greet a stranger as a friend, courageously face life's challenges, cherish life's joys, continue to learn, dance, and sing with our beloveds, we keep Tami's memory alive and inspiring others to live wholeheartedly as she so inspired each of us.

Tamra "Tami" Lynn Groothuis, age 49, of Grandville, went to be with her Heavenly Father on March 12, 2026, with her family at her side. She was preceded in death by her father, Roger G. Laninga, and father-in-law, Larry Groothuis. Tami is survived by her loving husband, Rob; her children, Isaac and Audrey; her mother, Karla Laninga; and her sister, Shanda (Dave) Klomp. Also surviving are her mother-in-law, Nancy (Dale) Hofman; brother-in-law, Michael (Robin) Groothuis; sister-in-law, Amy (Cliff) Westendorp; nieces and nephews, Liz (Nate) Sculley, Eric Klomp, Helen (Tim) Dubbelman, Greta Groothuis, Sam (Madelyn) Groothuis, Joshua (Amber) Westendorp and Matthew Westendorp; and grand nieces and nephew, Autumn, Sadie and Lincoln.

The funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Ivanrest Church, 3777 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville. Family and friends will gather from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Friday, March 20 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Interment in Winchester Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to Grandville Calvin Christian Schools, Faith Hospice, or Van Andel Institute-Bee Brave. Celebrate Tami's life by sharing a favorite memory or photo on her dedicated memory page at heritagelifestory.com