Stroo Funeral Home, Inc. 
1095 68th St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Phone:  (616) 455-9280 
Fax: (616) 455-2035
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Michael A. Vos - Owner / Manager
 
 Robert K. Stroo - Owner / President 

 

Childs Darlene22

Service Information

 Darlene Suzanna Childs

Family Gathering and Visitation: Palmer Park, 1275 52nd St. SW, Wyoming, MI at Pavilion C on Saturday, September 14, from 1 - 3 pm

Memorials: Hand2Hand Ministries , www.h2hkids.org/donate/

Darlene Childs, just two days shy of her 58th birthday, went to be at peace with her Father in heaven on Thursday, August 29th. She has reunited with her parents Harry Hall, Barb (Bill) Yeomens, brother Richard Hall, nephews Jon Downs and Forrest Hancock, brother-in-law Dennis Childs, and sister-in-law, Sue Dykstra. She is lovingly remembered by her husband Lee Childs, children Megan (Tom) MacGraw, Josh Taylor, Nick (Kayla) Childs, and Madison Childs, her granddaughters Ryleigh and Eleanor MacGraw, and her siblings Bob (Kriste) Hall, Deanna (Kenny) Hancock, Dawna (Jeff) Hartt, Delinda (Daniel) Ryan, sister-in-law Renei Hall, and many nieces and nephews.

Darlene was a loving wife, mother, grandma, sister and friend. She adored her two granddaughters and loved to color, play with dinosaurs, have tea parties, and play with them both. She was so proud of all of her children and the amazing people they were growing into. She loved her husband and the family they had created together. She loved her family fiercely and was always there for them. Her home was a second home and she was bonus mom to many of her kids’ friends.

Darlene’s faith in God and loving people as God would was apparent to all who met her. She had a light in her that shined and made people feel welcomed and included. She was an inviting person who never wanted anyone to ever feel left out or uncomfortable. Though she was a self-professed introvert, she exuded an outgoing confidence, trusting God to provide her with the right words to say when she wasn’t sure what to say. She would talk to anyone about anything. Because of her warm heart and open, welcoming spirit, she had many friends who will miss her dearly.

Darlene had many hobbies. She loved to garden, growing flowers, vegetables, and herbs. She loved to show off her garden, planters and wild flowers to all who came to visit. She also loved to cook. Her favorite thing to do was recreate dishes from restaurants, making them even better. She enjoyed decorating and staging tablescapes for holidays and family gatherings.

Darlene believed God called her to care for those with less. He had seen her through lean times, and she used those experiences to build relationships with and care for others. She was passionate about making sure students in her daughter’s school had enough food, clothes, and proper cold weather gear. She would go to the store to buy any kid she heard about whatever it was they needed. Even when on a tight budget, she would provide snacks for students without their own snow pants, coats, and gloves so no kid was ever cold at recess. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to a local charity, Hand2Hand ministries, that provides food for students to take home on the weekends and long school breaks, so they never have to worry about hunger. You can make donations at www.h2hkids.org/donate/ in her honor.

Darlene’s family invites you to join them in celebrating her life on Saturday, September 14, 2024, 1-3pm at Palmer Park (1275 52nd St SW Wyoming, MI 49509) at pavilion C. 

 

STROO FUNERAL HOME
1095 68TH ST SE
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49508 
Comments  
# Chelsea Vriese 2024-09-04 21:31
I adopted Darlene as my mom the first time I met her. She is the epitome of warmth and motherly love and very inclusive and sincere. I will certainly keep her and the family in my prayers! I love you all.
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