Roseann Ritterby

Our beloved Roseann (Schaap) Ritterby, 78, of Grand Rapids, Michigan — devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, entrepreneur, musician, teacher, and friend — passed away on October 21, 2025, surrounded by her family. Early Life and Roots Roseann was born on December 6, 1946, in Holland, Michigan, to Otto and Elizabeth (Williamson) Schaap. Her story began on the family farm, where the rhythms of work, faith, and music intertwined and formed the foundation of a life filled with purpose and beauty. From the fields of Holland to the pews of Trinity Reformed Church, young Roseann learned how to love people and how to make a place beautiful. It was in that same church that she first saw the man who would become her husband — Greg Ritterby — a moment that would shape the rest of her life. After graduating from Holland High School in 1965, she earned a music scholarship to Hope College and worked as a bank teller in town, already showing the discipline and grace that would define her for decades to come. Her early years revealed the spark of a woman who would never stop exploring, learning, or giving. A Life of Adventure and New Horizons Roseann’s life was never meant to be small. With a heart full of courage and curiosity, she and Greg began their adventure together in Chicago, where their love story blossomed across train tracks and city lights. Working opposite shifts, they would wave to each other each morning as their trains passed — a quiet ritual of devotion that captured their bond perfectly. They married on November 7, 1970, at Trinity Reformed Church — the same church where their story began. Their daughter Lara was born two years later, and soon after, the young couple embarked on a new adventure overseas, moving to the U.S. Virgin Islands. In St. Thomas, Roseann embraced island life with the same grace and enthusiasm that defined her everywhere she went. She explored the Caribbean, finding joy in every new horizon. Their son Geoff was born there in 1975, and a year later, the family set sail once again — this time to the Pacific coast of California, where their youngest son Erick was born in 1977. What began as worldly travel became a lifelong story of reinvention, which deepened in the American West. But it was in Arizona, where the Ritterbys settled for more than four decades, that Roseann truly flourished. Over those years, they lived in Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, and ultimately Chandler, where they spent 23 wonderful years creating a warm, loving home filled with laughter, faith, and friendship. Eight years ago, she and Greg returned to their roots in Michigan, where they enjoyed their golden years together in Grand Rapids — closing the circle of a life that had taken them across oceans and back again. Building a Life Filled with Purpose Roseann’s life was a remarkable journey defined by creativity, resilience, and love. She was a woman who made things happen. A gifted musician, she played piano at church and filled her home with song. She organized school events, volunteered with PTAs, and poured her energy into both family and community. Professionally, she was a self-made businesswoman and a natural leader who cared for her family at home and then stepped outward into the world, building businesses from the ground up: a nutritionist, crime-prevention seminar speaker, and, most enduringly, the owner of Constance Cosmetics, her skincare and cosmetics company, which she led for 40 years. In her later years, she brought her radiant energy, beloved presence, and gift for connecting people to Meijer in Grand Rapids, where she greeted customers with her unforgettable warmth, humor, and kindness. Roseann had a refined sense of style, a love for beauty, and a deep appreciation for life’s little details — like a perfectly set table. Never content with the ordinary, Roseann read books at astonishing speed, loved music in all forms, and decorated homes with an elegant and sophisticated eye for every season and celebration. She taught her children to work hard, stay strong, and love family — lessons that will echo through generations. She made home a place of ritual, beauty, and laughter. She laughed loudly and often and found joy in everything from baking to boat rides at full throttle. She was a friend to all and an example to others. Love, Family, and the Legacy She Leaves Roseann’s story is less about a single dramatic moment than about a long habit of generous living. She loved fiercely, remembered everyone’s story, and made people feel seen. Whether hosting holidays, jumping into freezing lakes on a whim, or offering a listening ear to someone in need, Roseann had a way of turning moments into memories. Her greatest achievements were ordinary and true. At the heart of everything Roseann did was her family. She and Greg shared 55 years of marriage, bound by devotion and adventure. Together they built not just a home but a world — a family filled with love that continues to grow through the generations and a lifetime of friendships. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy — the living proof of a legacy built on love. Everyone remembers her as a bright, beautiful light. She was known for her quick wit, her boundless generosity, and her ability to make everyone feel special. We were all blessed to have her in our lives… and we will cherish those memories for the rest of ours. Roseann is survived by her husband Greg; her children Lara, Geoff, and Erick; her brothers James and Curt Schaap; her grandchildren Leslie, Camdon, Madison, Miaya, Victoria, Alexis, Max, and Mackenzie; and her great-grandchildren Isaiah and Wyatt. She is also survived by daughters-in-law Lucy and Ashley, son-in-law Mark, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. Her spirit and laughter will continue to ripple through each of their lives. Courage, Faith, and a Graceful Farewell In her final weeks, Roseann faced sudden illness with the same courage and humor that carried her through life. Even in the hospital, she made people laugh. She left this life exactly as she had lived — beautiful, strong, and full of gratitude. That gratitude became her signature: an invitation to celebrate, not just mourn. She often spoke of her deep faith in God and the peace of knowing she would one day be reunited with her parents in heaven. Those who knew her best say she was radiant in every way — adventurous, brilliant, compassionate — a woman whose presence could fill a room. She decorated her life as she decorated her home: with intention, color, and joy. Roseann is in our hearts — today, tomorrow, and always. Celebration of Life A Memorial Service to celebrate Roseann’s life will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Trinity Reformed Church, 712 Apple Ave, Holland, MI 49423. Pastor Lydia Ribich will lead the service — in the same church where Roseann and Greg first met and married. For those unable to attend, the ceremony will be live-streamed on Roseann’s Facebook page. Flowers are welcome for those who wish to send them. For those who feel moved to do so, contributions may be made to help ease the unexpected challenges of her sudden passing and to support her loved ones as they adjust to life without her. Contributions can be made online here (https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-the-life-and-legacy-of-roseann-ritterby). Your compassion reflects the kindness and generosity she shared with everyone she met. For additional information, please contact First Sergeant (Ret.) Erick Ritterby, U.S. Army, at 571-355-4782 or erick.ritterby@gmail.com. Roseann once wrote, “For all the joy and laughter, for all the challenges met and conquered, for all the tears and triumphs — I am thankful and happy to be me.” That was her gift to the world: to live with gratitude, grace, and unshakable faith.

Tributes

Roseann Ritterby

December 6, 1946 - October 21, 2025