Gloria Phyllis (Stone) VerDuin

Gloria Phyllis (Stone) VerDuin, age 88, loving mother of three and adoring wife to husband Jack VerDuin. passed away on Monday March 20, 2023 surrounded by her family. Gloria was born in 1934 in Grand Rapids, MI to Earl and Anne Stone. She had four older brothers who filled her childhood with lots of adventure, Rodger (Joyce) Stone, Wesley (Bev) Stone, Harry (Jean) Stone, Dan (Barb) Stone, sister-in-law Jean (Bob) Baird and many nieces and nephews. Gloria was influenced by her family to be a generous, loving and caring woman, always giving her time to others and that carried through to motherhood. She met her husband Jack at Union High School, they fell in love and were married in 1955. They were blessed with 51 years of marriage and many football Fridays at “The Park” together before Jack passed away in 2007. Gloria’s love for her family was immeasurable. Her children Miki (Doug) Alvarez, Mike (Shelly) VerDuin and Jami McNees shared many unforgettable memories with her over the years. She was absolutely thrilled to become a grandmother to the “fab five”, Whitney Alvarez (who was waiting for her with open arms in heaven), Brandon McNees, Brianna McNees, Jordan (Laura) Alvarez and soon to be born great grandbaby Alvarez, and Kaylee (Cory) Knight. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader, never missing any event the grandkids were a part of. Her eye for style and sense of fun made her iconic! She was widely known as “fashion grandma” because of her consistent poised and polished look, always dressed to the “9”s! Every party she threw was always memorable with her competitive games and over-the-top themes leaving no detail out. Her Halloween parties will forever be unmatched! In her later years, she loved to challenge herself to stay active and encouraged herself to do one thing that scared her every day. From 5Ks to mountain hikes she made sure she lived life to the fullest--thank God she never accomplished her dream of ziplining that day! Her sometimes sassy personality was so infectious, she had such a zest for life that truly made her one of a kind! We are so grateful to have had her in our lives sharing countless, unforgettable memories together. We know she has left her earthly body and are happy knowing the angels finally have her back. Goodbye for now to a beautiful woman and a wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. You will forever be fabulous! For those who would like to celebrate Gloria please join us in colorful attire (per Gloria’s request): Visitation will be held Thursday, March 23 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary , 3525 Remembrance Road, Walker, MI 49534. Interment Rosedale Cemetery. Visitation Friday, March 24 from 10:00 am -11:00 am and service at 11:00 am at Daybreak Church, 3501 Baldwin St., Hudsonville, MI 49426. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Hospice of Michigan would be appreciated.

Tributes

Gloria Phyllis (Stone) VerDuin

October 28, 1934 - March 20, 2023