Henrietta Helen (Vande Kieft) Rooy, age 97, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

Henrietta was born in Tracy, Iowa on May 24, 1927, and graduated from Tracy Consolidated School. She married Martin "John" Rooy on February 19, 1947. Together, they farmed for eight years. In 1956, Henrietta, John, and their three small children moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan so that John could attend Reformed Bible Institute. They became active members at Neland Avenue Church. Soon after, John was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and his health deteriorated rapidly over the next several years. Henrietta faithfully and compassionately cared for John in their home until his death in 1968.

After John's death, Henrietta worked for many years at Calvin University, first as the switchboard operator and later in the Registrar's office where she helped many students along their path to graduation. In her retirement, Henrietta enjoyed being involved with Neland Church, volunteering at Crossroads Prison Ministries, knitting, and volunteering at Calvin when students registered for classes.

But above all, she was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She treasured every family member and fiercely loved each one. For decades, she made a large Sunday dinner where anyone who needed a good meal was welcome. She demonstrated that even if a space is small, a warm welcome can be extended and space can be made so every person has a seat at the table. Her home was a welcoming place of warmth and hospitality because she emanated those qualities.

Henrietta was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Martin John; her parents, John D. and Johanna (Van Haaften) Vande Kieft; parents-in-law, George and Jeannette (Bouma) Rooy; and her siblings, brother, Henry, sister, Marie (Van Kooten), brother, Marion, and sister, JoAnn.

She is survived by her children, Jan and Jerry Fondse, Ken and Michele Rooy, and Denny and Judy Rooy; her grandchildren, Kara and Brian Van Drie, Miranda Rooy and Brandy Stiver, Rebecca Rooy and Brian Rockwell, Marcus and Libby Rooy, Ahnna and Brian Sisco, and John and Morgan Rooy; and her thirteen dear great grandchildren: Eli, Nate, and Brynn Van Drie, Taelyn and Samaya Stiver-Brooks, Sawyer, Elliott, and Miles Rooy, Etta and Rose Rockwell, Jayson Rooy, and Judah and Bodhi Sisco.

She is also survived by her siblings, Sid and Mae Rooy, Shirley and John Rolffs, and Robert Rooy and Sally Jones as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and her dear friends from Neland Church and Calvin University.

Henrietta's family wishes to thank her Visiting Angels, Val & Amy, and the entire staff for their compassionate and loving care for Henrietta in her final years.

Please join the family for a funeral service beginning at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, February 19, at Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton St. SE) with Rev. Duane Kelderman officiating. There will be time to visit and gather with the family following the funeral service.

If one wishes, please consider making a memorial donation in Henrietta's name to: National Multiple Sclerosis Society by visiting: https://www.nationalmssociety.org .