Henrietta "Retta" Medema

Mrs. Henrietta "Retta" Medema, age 86, passed away Friday evening, February 1, 2008, at her home. She was born October 21, 1921 in Muskegon, to Thomas R. and Jennie (Cooper) Fitt and had lived here her whole life. Retta was a 1940 graduate of Muskegon High School. On November 24, 1942, she married Ralph Medema, Jr., and he preceded her in death on May 23, 1997. Early in her life, Henrietta had worked for Muskegon Paper Box, but most of her life was spent as a homemaker. Retta had also volunteered for the Good Fellows (Old Newsies), delivering gifts to needy children each Christmas, for more than 37 years. Henrietta attended Evanston Ave. Baptist Church for many years. She is survived by her 4 children, Larry (Nancy) Medema of Norton Shores, Bruce (Debbie) Medema of Roosevelt Park, Mark Medema of Grand Rapids, and Kathleen Medema of Muskegon; 4 grandchildren, Lori (Eric) Schimmelman, Nina (David) Botello, Kara Medema, and Larry Medema; 2 great-grandchildren, Emily and Joey Schimmelman; her sister, Leona Voorhies of Muskegon; and many loving nieces and nephews. Retta was also preceded in death by her parents, step-father, and sister, Evelyn Lehman. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at The Sytsema Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Ave 231-726-5210 With Rev. Allan J. Engstrom officiating. VISITATION will be Monday, 2-4 and 6-8PM, at the funeral Home. Interment will be in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to Evanston Ave. Baptist Church or Hospice of Michigan.