Martheen Kay

Versluys

Martheen Versluys Obituary

Martheen Versluys passed away surrounded by family on November 11, 2026, at the age of 86. She will be remembered for her dedication to her family, faith, and community.

Martheen was born on May 27, 1940, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the second of four children. She grew up in a family of gardeners and landscapers, and married a farmer. During the years her family lived on a farm, she subscribed to Mother Earth News, raised calves, and had a huge garden that produced a year’s worth of fruits and vegetables for her family. She raised five children, who remember, among other things, her green thumb, delicious baked goods, unexpected humor and love of games - with her particular rules.

She was a devoted grandmother to her many grandchildren. She was a proud and faithful supporter of their countless activities—sporting events, music performances, art fairs. As her grandchildren got older, she was thrilled to continue her role as a loving “Oma” to her five great-grandchildren.

Martheen cared deeply about her community, as exemplified by her career and volunteer work. She worked for more than 30 years at Bethany Christian Services as an administrative assistant. After retiring, she worked for another twenty years as a volunteer, first in the Kent County Sheriff’s Department and then at the front desk at Breton Terrace, where she lived for nearly 20 years.

She was socially active within the Holland Home community, serving on resident committees, playing spinner dominoes, enjoying coffee club, and making new friends on first floor Raybrook DeVos in her final year. She will be deeply missed by friends and family alike.

Martheen was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Roelina, and her grandson, Alex Fikse. She is survived by her five children, Carolyn (Jack) Flietstra, Sheryl (Frank) Bunton, Janet (Chris) Stark, Carl (Kim) Mulder, and Ruth (John) Brinks; eleven grandchildren, Keri Buma, Andy Flietstra, Alyssa Fikse, Alayna Fikse, Timothy Stark, Matthew Stark, Katherine Stark, Erin Mulder, Jake Mulder, Ben Brinks, and Sadie Brinks; and five great-grandchildren, Clara Buma, Emma Buma, Adalyn Flietstra, Sylvia Flietstra, and Amelia Stark. She is also survived by her three siblings, John (Judi) Versluys, Rose (Herb) Butterworth, and Janna (Roger) Anderson.

A private graveside service for immediate family will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery on Monday, November 16. A memorial service honoring Martheen’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 1, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Raybrook Manor, 2121 Raybrook St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, and followed by a reception. The visitation will take place in the Chapel before the service, at 10:00 a.m.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Holland Home Resident Assistance Fund or Faith Hospice.