Relma J. Heinz

Although the early years of her life were not the easiest or the last few her best, Relma Janelle Heinz had a philosophy, "one day at a time, do the best you can." And as a wife, a mother, and a human being, that is how she lived. Day by day she accepted life's disappointments, celebrated its blessings, and found joy wherever she could. With each experience she had, the more she understood the importance of her philosophy. Making the most of the time she was given, Relma filled her days doing the things that brought her the most happiness and with the people she loved best. In 1929 the stock market plummeted and knocked most American workers right off of the pedestal that the previous years had worked so hard to build. The depression was particularly hard on families living in rural communities across the south, and in places like Beedeville, Arkansas, living off of the land became not so much of a way of life as it was the only means of survival. Growing a family during these difficult times may not have been ideal, but Jesse and Josie (Gossette) Mabry, embraced their situation as they prepared for the birth of their first child. At last, on October 9, 1932, they welcomed the arrival of a baby girl they named Relma Janelle. It was common thought during the depression years that things could only get better, since it was hard to picture them getting any worse, yet that is just what happened for Relma and her family. When she was just three years old, Relma's father died of tuberculosis, leaving behind her and her grief stricken mother, Josie, to fend for themselves. The years that followed were not easy ones for young Relma. Her mother found work at various jewelry stores, as they moved from state to state living with different relatives. When she began school, Relma was quite shy and therefore didn't have the easiest time adjusting to each new school. Finally, when she was in the tenth grade, Relma landed in Grand Haven, Michigan. From there on out she attended Grand Haven High School, graduating in 1948. Shortly after moving to Grand Haven, Relma got a part-time job as a waitress to earn some extra money. While at the restaurant she was introduced to a man named Henry Vander Wall, who was nine years her senior. Relma was immediately taken with Henry, and if ever there was love at first sight, then this was it. The two of them were so happy together, that they decided to make their commitment official and marry on June 29, 1951. The couples first home together was an upper apartment in Grand Haven. Henry worked at Bastian Blessing Co., while Relma held a job at Kent Products. Just one year after saying their I dos, their first child, Roger, was born, followed by Cindy in 1954, Linda in 1956, and their fourth and final child, Deb, in 1959. Although their apartment may have helped keep everyone close, in 1967 they were excited to purchase their first home on 104th Street in Robinson Township. While the kids were growing up, the family took camping trips, enjoyed fishing, and went on many vacations together. As her children got older, Relma decided to return to work as machinist at Medallion Instruments. One year later, on June 12, 1977, tragedy struck the family when their oldest son Roger passed away. The couple was devastated by the loss and it was almost more than they could bear. Further compounding Relma's unspeakable grief, just one year later her beloved husband Henry passed on as well. With all of her daughters grown and married, Relma decided to sell the family home and move into Village Green Mobile Home Park. Not only did she have many old friends and family there, but she also made a host of new friends, all of which made her quite happy with her new surroundings. In 1980, Relma found even more to be happy about. She had a new love in her life, named Bill Heinz, who brought a lot of joy into her life. She and Bill were married on May 1, 1981, and decided to make Bill's house in Ferrysburg their home together. Feeling rejuvenated, Relma was more active than ever. She started taking water aerobics classes at the YMCA, bowling, and doing Tai Chi. At home, she enjoyed gardening and during her time off, she and Bill liked to travel and go camping. On top of all that, she was a member of the Grand Haven Eagles Auxiliary and attended Hope Reformed Church of Grand Haven. All in all Relma was more alive than ever and enjoying every minute of it. In January of 1995, she retired from her job at Medallion Instruments and continued to fill her social calendar with just about everything from vacations to dances. Sadly, Relma's mother, Josie Kristella, died in May of 1997. In 1999, with Bill's health declining, the couple moved back to Village Green and an easier way of life. Three years after returning, Relma lost her soul mate when Bill passed on. This was a deep and lasting loss for her and one from which she never quite recovered. Just one month after losing her husband, she was diagnosed with cancer and a year later with Lou Gehrig's disease. Over the next few years her health worsened until finally, with her daughters by her side, she found peace. She always said, "I hope everyone remembers me kindly." Now with her passing, it is certain that she leaves behind countless fond memories that will remain in the hearts and minds of her family and friends for a lifetime. Mrs. Relma Janelle. Heinz, age 74, died Friday, October 27, 2006. She is survived by three daughters, Cindy (Roger) Smith of Howard City, MI, Linda (Rick) Dale of Newaygo & Deb (Randy) Bautista of IN; 16 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two step-sons, Donald (Bonnie) Heinz of Grand Haven & Richard (Chris) Heinz of Grand Haven; one step daughter, Sue (John) Hammond of Grand Haven. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Henry Vander Wall Jr., one son, Roger Vander Wall, her mother Josie Kristella, and her 2nd husband, Bill Heinz. A service will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2006, 1:00 PM, at Clock Chapel - Grand Haven with Rev. Arnold VanBeek officiating. Interment will be at Lakeshore Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, 3-6 PM, at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Grand Haven. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Ottawa Community. Please visit Relma's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.