Julie Afton

Julie (VanMaldegen) Afton, age 74, of Marne, Michigan, passed away, Monday July 19, 2021. She is survived by her Husband - Arden Afton, Son - David Gregware, Step daughter - Nancy Phillips (Dave), Step granddaughter - Rebecca Pardue (Michael). While we are deeply saddened by this surreal event, we rejoice in the fact that Julie is at peace in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Entombment will be at Idlewild Cemetery in Kent City. Julie will be remembered for so many things, I believe she will be remembered for her love of the simplest things in life; a motorcycle ride to Lake Michigan, a boat ride on a sunny day, snowmobiling, gardening, camping and crafting; I'm certain her Christmas present bows are the very best bows around. She would get lost in nature, finding the perfect stone or piece of driftwood to add to her gardens. Her love for the out of doors was evident. Let's start at the beginning. Julie was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to the parents of Eugene and Lois VanMaldegen. Their first child, she became the oldest to four siblings - all girls. Sandy, Lori, Jodi and Wendy. 20 years difference between oldest and youngest. As a child, Julie faced the challenges of Polio, she persevered; she was strong. The age gap of her siblings created a dichotomy of families. Julie and Sandy grew up together, Lori came along and the family of 5 moved to the "Big House" when Lori was 2. Julie and Sandy moved out shortly after and began their adult lives. Julie and Sandy would never share the same family home with Jodi and Wendy. Sandy has fond memories of growing up with Julie. She remembers sleeping in the boat house at Crockery Lake, and spending the evenings catching fireflies to use as their night light. They shared a bedroom at home and shared many sister secrets. We never lose sight of the fact that these 5 girls are family; one family. They are all strong, they are all beautiful, they protect each other- they are and will always be, "Eubies girls." Picture it: a wintery day, January 1965, "Congratulations, it's a boy!", I am Julie's first and only child. Being a teenage mother certainly came with its trials and tribulations. For what seemed an eternity to this young mother, I was a baby with colic- bad colic. With the help of family she persevered through this chapter in life- she was strong. Julie always wanted more children, specifically a little girl. Sadly, that was not in God's plans. I never felt a loss for siblings as Lori, Jodi and Wendy organically became my siblings, simply by happenstance. Julies love for young girls was apparent. She would "adopt" young girls of her friends, always doting on them. Sending treasures, always keeping in touch, dreaming of what it would've been like to have a little girl. Her nieces and nephews became her grandchildren of sorts, always doting on them in her special way. Most were too young to remember "Aunt Julie" in this way. Last night, whilst perusing through some of my Mother's things, within the cedar chest that my father gifted her, I discovered an invitation to a birthday party for Lyndsie, her niece. Lyndsie had colored the birthday cake image on the front of the invitation. Which was now safely protected in a Ziploc bag. Julie wrote on the front, "Lyndsie Compton made this with Jodi's help". This invitation is 25 years old. Julie was so sentimental, most will never know. Boats, motorcycles, snowmobiles, camping, NASCAR, gardening, crafting, silk floral arranging - these were some of her favorite things. Her talent for creating silk floral arrangements came naturally and they were beautiful. Grand Haven, Big Bend Park, Indian River and Croton were just a few of her favorite places. Motorcycles had to be Hondas and boats had to be Checkmates. Her and Ardy would go on to own 3 Checkmates. Ardy told me that every single time they would see a checkmate anywhere, they had to stop so she could check it out. She loved summer - Wendy: "and boy, she wore tube tops well!", she was beautiful. Spit Spot, everything in its place - Julie strived for perfection in everything she did. Everything they owned was beautiful. Their home was beautiful, everything in its place. Their camping spots were beautiful, everything in its place. Their summer home was beautiful, everything in its place. I'm quite sure that the vehicles and toys never missed a wash the minute they were done with them. Lori recalls learning that carpeting had pile and it all needed to be in one direction, no vacuum marks. Her perfection didn't stop there. I remember her never leaving the house without her makeup and hair, "just so". She was beautiful. I believe her life really began when she met Ardy. They were married for 37 years - she loved him deeply, as he did her. He was her husband, friend, protector, caregiver- he was everything to her. No one will ever understand how he enriched her life and provided her with the love, caring and protection she was missing from a partner. No one will ever understand the depths Ardy would go to simply to make her happy. She was loved and happy. I wish I could say to her, "Mom, you are stronger than you realize, braver than you know, worth more than you can imagine, more beautiful than most and loved unconditionally. Go forth in the direction your peace is coming from". If so inclined, please choose from the list of charities for donations in Julie's name, or, one of your own favorite charities. www.michiganveterans.com www.kidsfoodbasket.org www.ayayouth.org Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Julie Afton, please visit our flower store.