Myrtice Kerkstra

Myrtice Lee Kerkstra, age 79, of Alto, Michigan, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. She was born November 16, 1941, in Grand Rapids, MI to the late Leo and Alice (Treadeau) Werner. Myrt married the love of her life, James Kerkstra Jr. on May 11, 1959, and together raised three daughters and a grandson, Zachary Droog after his mother passed away in 2009. Myrt worked at Michigan Bell and Mickey's Daycare for many years and touched countless children throughout her years as a childcare provider. Survivors include her husband of almost 62 years, Jim; two daughters, Renee Higgins and Michele (Richard) Bidwell; son-in-law, Steven Winter; grandchildren, Zachary Droog, James (Jen) Higgins Jr., Jessica (Jimmy) Daniels, Richard (Lindsay) Bidwell Jr., Ashley (Kurt) Kooienga, Matthew Bidwell, Heather (AJ) Almy, Kaleigh Droog, and Jaydyn Winter; great-grandchildren, Makenzie, Aiden, Sophia, Cayson, Ozyah, Colton, Landon, Mason, Ava, and Zeke; sister, Allyson (Michael) Anderson; sisters-in-law, Sandy Welch, Pam (Mark) Wickering, and Marilyn Werner; and brother-in-law, Ron (Clara) Kerkstra; and many nieces and nephews. Myrt was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Jamie Winter; son-in-law, James Higgins; sister, Michelle Werner; and brothers, Randy (June) Werner, and Robert Werner. Gathering of family and friends will take place on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9669 Kraft Ave SE, Caledonia, MI 49316, from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. A memorial mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Phil Shangraw officiating. Myrt was a remarkable woman, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be truly missed. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Myrtice Kerkstra, please visit our flower store.