Joanne DeLange (VanderSloot, Bottema), age 80, of Byron Center, MI, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023, after a short but fierce battle with cancer. We are saddened by her death, but rejoice in the knowledge that she is home with her heavenly father.

      Joanne is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald VanderSloot; and her parents, Walt and Harriet DeLange. Joanne was one of seven children and is survived by her siblings, Walt (Joyce) DeLange, Gretchen (Fred) Kroll, and Tom (Carolyn) DeLange; and preceded in death by Ray (Carol) DeLange, Dan (Aisa) DeLange, and Phil (Theresa) DeLange. Joanne’s memory will be loved and remembered by her children, Susan VanderSloot, Sally (Tony) Stayman, Gerald (Marsha) VanderSloot, and Lauri (Jeff) Cosby, as well as her 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

       Joanne spent her life delighting in children. She was a stay-at-home mom while her children were young and she was very committed to making sure there was fun to be had at pool parties and get togethers with friends and family. She loved watching her grandchildren participate in their various activities, and they could always count on her to be in the crowd cheering them on. Joanne liked to say, “let’s just have some fun now,” and those words will surely ring in our ears beyond this generation. She drove a school bus for Grand Rapids Christian Schools for over 30 years and she was known for occasionally adding a stop at Krispy Kreme to the afternoon run, thrilling her students with not just the sugary confection, but also with an adventure in an otherwise ordinary ride home. She was a GEMS leader for the girls at Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church, growing both fun experiences and a love for Jesus in the hearts of youth.

      Always active, she kept a fold up bike in her car, at the ready for her own next adventure. Her friends and family knew her as a serious bridge player, a committed tennis player, a willing road tripper, a regular fireworks lover, and an avid gardener. She loved her cards and tennis groups, and especially Ginny DeHaan, her friend and partner in fun over the past 60 years. Joanne enjoyed gardening at Shawnee Park Christian Reformed Church, where she created beautiful landscapes along with beautiful friendships.

Joanne DeLange will be missed.

      There will be a visitation on Thursday, May 11, between 5 and 7 pm at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE.  A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 12, at Shawnee Park Christian Reformed Church, 2255 Tecumseh Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, beginning with a visitation at 11 am, followed by a service and luncheon at 12 pm. Dr. Arie C. Leder will officiate the service. Charitable contributions in her name may be made to the plant and flower fund at Shawnee Park Christian Reformed Church.