Ventura Ten Brink, age 93, of San Antonio, TX/USA, passed away on September 27, 2023, in Canadian Lakes, Michigan. She was born on July 14, 1930. Ventura was a beautiful person from the depths of her soul to her luminous skin. She was a believer in the Virgin Mary and Christ our Lord. Ventura took pride in doing things on her own, whether it was changing the oil on her Ford International or dragging in her stag from a dark night hunt! She believed in working hard and keeping your credit in well standing, as that's the way to make it in life. She loved cooking enchiladas, tortillas, rice, and beans for her loved ones. Ventura was an adventurer, cook, fisherwoman, hunter, hard worker, fearless, generous, lover of boxing and wrestling, strong, yodeler, and singer of her greatest hits, "I LOVE EGGS." She was known for always standing up for herself and others, and she believed that family was the most important thing in life.

Ventura is survived by her sister, Bertha Casillas, and her children: Sara Sanchez, Gilbert Sanchez II & Sandra, and Clara (Sanchez) Wardell. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Stacy Vandenhuevel, Valerie Syswerda, and Jeff Vandenhuevel. Ventura leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and even great-great-great-grandchildren who are Christina Sanchez, Michelle (LaDow) Davis, Annette Hossink, Stacy Anderson, Michael LaDow, Arturo Sanchez II, Joseph Sanchez, Gilbert Sanchez III, Manuel Sanchez, Patrick Wardell, Matthew Wardell, Christopher Sanchez, Antonio Sanchez, Angelica Belladonna, Christian Quiñones-Sanchez, Carter Quiñones-Sanchez, Rebecca Sample and Aaron Sample. She was preceded in death by her spouse, Robert TenBrink, and her children, Delores LaDow and Arturo Sanchez.

During her career, Ventura was determined to work and earn her own way in life with pride. She took on various jobs, from pulling potatoes out of a field to picking cherries in Traverse City. She even worked on her hands and knees, scrubbing floors, and rushing through short lunch breaks on an assembly line. However, being the best wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother was the highlight of her career.

Ventura worshipped at St Andrews Cathedral. She enjoyed dancing, taking chances, and being adventurous in her earlier days. Her hobbies included fishing, hunting, knitting, listening, and watching Elvis, attending live boxing matches, wrestling events, and visiting family in Indiana and Texas. Most of all, she cherished spending time with her loved ones.

Services for Ventura will be held at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, located at 2800 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 on Monday, October 2, 2023, at 1PM with an hour visitation prior starting at 12pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Ventura valiantly beat breast cancer 13 years ago, but unfortunately, she was diagnosed with another cancer this year. Contributions to the American Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Ventura TenBrink, a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many with her strength, generosity, and love for her family. May she rest in peace.