Katherine Arlene Vanrees

Mrs. Katherine Arlene VanRees, age 73, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, special friend and a child of God, passed away Tuesday evening, July 15, 2008, at her residence. She was born on October 17, 1934 to Andrew and Emma Fase in Chicago, IL. Kay and Leon VanRees were married on August 13, 1954. Kay worked at DeYoung, Torrenga Investment Bankers while Leon was in the service. Kay and Leon had three boys, Bill, David and Steven. Kay stayed at home raising the three boys and Leon taught at Western Michigan Christian High School. Once the boys were older, Kay worked for Whiteman Manufacturing and later for DeBoer Incorporated. Kay was a member of Bethany Christian Reformed Church and a former member of Allen Avenue Christian Reformed Church and member of its Mary Martha Circle where she had served as its president. She was also a former member of East Muskegon Christian Reformed Church where she had been a Calvinette counselor for many years. She is survived by her husband, Leon; sons, Bill and friend Tami Gillette, David and wife Beth, Steven and wife Leann; sister, Phyllis Groen (Art, Sr.) and her two brothers Andrew Fase (Nancy) and David Fase (Judy), sisters-in-law, Charlene Ezinga (Chuck), Clare Baker (Jerry), Roselie Bangma (Abe), Eunice Thiry (Stephen) and brother-in-law, Ivan VanRees (Lois). She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren, Amanda, Jacob, Kaitlin, Sarah, Abigail, Ethan, Philip, Elizabeth, Charles, Anne, Hannah, Madeline and Noah; and by extended family members, Samantha and Michael who also mourn her loss. We invite you to CELEBRATE THE PASSAGE of Katherine VanRees into her new life with Christ, 1 PM Monday, July 21, 2008, at Bethany Church (1105 Terrace Street) with Pastor David Sieplinga officiating. Times of visiting will be 2-5PM Sunday at The Sytsema Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Avenue (231-726-5210) and 11AM - 1PM Monday, prior to the Service of Celebration. MEMORIAL GIFTS to Muskegon Christian School, Western Michigan Christian High School, Love, Inc, or Visiting Angels of West Michigan will be appreciated.