Melanie Joy Beelen, known for her joyous spirit and generous heart, stepped from time to eternity on June 11, 2025. She died peacefully and suddenly while in her gardening clothes when our great Gardener transplanted her to THE garden city, the New Jerusalem.

God planted her on this earth in Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 3, 1955 in the home of Seymour and Mildred Koning. She joined her four sisters, who have survived her: Marybeth (William), Faith (Cliff), Jane (Will), and Nancy (John).

Melanie was a faithful and affectionate partner in marriage to David Beelen for 49 years. They fell in love and married on May 26,1976.

With God's help they rooted three children in the Christian faith. Melanie loved her children devotedly and fiercely. And when her daughter Kendra fell in love and married Ken and her son Jackson fell in love and married Rachel and her daughter Acacia fell in love and will soon marry Shannon, her joyful acceptance bonded them into her growing family.

She was a fun and focused grandmother. Javion, Ben and Aloha know that she thinks of them every day. They all felt safe in the protective greenhouse of her presence. She prayed for them every morning asking for new mercies to chase after them.

Melanie was a loyal and faithful friend to many and especially to Gail, LuCarol, and Nancy. They turned to her for comfort, support and laughter. She kept confidences and stayed up as late and lingered as long as it took.

Melanie was Executive Director of Baxter Community Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan from 1996-2020. One of her signature accomplishments was to lead a drive to build a Greenhouse that helped local neighbors grow their own food. She is described by her staff as a person who was interested in their growth, planting seeds of faith in them. Her office at Baxter; a prayer room on many days.

Melanie's life was a flowering of the grace of God. A funeral service will be held at Madison Square Church, where she and her husband served for 38 years, on Saturday, June 21 at 11 am (1441 Madison SE, Grand Rapids, Mi. 49507). Relatives and friends may greet the family on Friday evening from 6-9 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Baxter Community Center https://wearebaxter.org/ or Coram Deo (where her husband, David is on staff as a mentor). https://www.coramdeoassociation.org/