Esther Tracy Vredevoogd Schepers, age 89, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, went to glory on January 9, 2025, joining her beloved husband, Alvin (Bud) Schepers.  

Esther was an exceptional spouse, parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, aunt, sister, and friend. She was well-known for her kind heart, unwavering love, and profound generosity with both her time and gifts. Always a champion for those in need, Esther embodied forgiveness, offering it time and again; she was undoubtedly one of the most loving and accepting individuals in the world. Her deep affection for her family made it easy for everyone to love and respect her wholeheartedly. With her ability to bring smiles and her constant support for anyone in need, Esther impacted countless lives through her love, encouragement, and wisdom. If anyone truly lived by the motto, "What Would Jesus Do?", it was Esther

Born on September 11, 1935 in McBain, Michigan to Dora (Westmaas) and Cornelius Vredevoogd, Esther  grew up on a large farm in a happy home filled with laughter-- and many siblings. She was smack dab in the middle of 10 children and she had lots of fun stories of growing up with eight brothers and one sister. She learned the importance of hard work, being a good person, helping others, and being Christ-like. 

It was while on the farm that she met the love of her life, Alvin (Bud) Schepers. He would deliver potatoes to her parents' farm and was close friends with her brother, Marvin. Eventually, she moved to Grand Rapids and began working at Zondervan’s, though her time there was brief. After Bud returned from the Korean War, the couple got married and purchased a house in Cutlerville and started their family. Esther embraced her role as a stay-at-home mom, attending every school event, game, and significant moment in her children's lives. Whenever they needed her, she was there—well into their adulthood. She was the kind of mother that many could only dream of having. Esther had a remarkable gift for making each of her children feel like they were the “favorite.” Before all her children had grown, the grandchildren began to arrive. She would often humorously remark that she never had a chance to put the toy box away between kids and grandkids! However, she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and later her great-grandchildren as well. Each of them holds cherished memories of their grandma, who had a unique way of making each one feel special and loved.

Esther had a passion for singing, gardening, traveling, and volunteering. She cherished her roles in both the church choir and the Metropolitan Choir. Singing to the little ones in her life brought her immense joy, with familiar tunes like “Once the trap was baited” and “Giddy up horsey don’t you know…” often echoing in their presence. Esther had a song or verse for every situation! Her flower garden was always a sight to behold; however, during her children's early years, she would say that nurturing them was the most important garden she could tend to. Deeply involved in her church community, Esther volunteered for various activities, always ready to help her church family, and dedicated many years to supporting New2You. She was truly a selfless individual.

Esther will be deeply missed by her children: Kim and John Kiryanoff,  David and Joanne Schepers, Beth Cooper and Dave Brockman, Tracy and Dave Carpenter, and Dan and Tracie Schepers, her grandchildren and their spouses: Johnny (Jess), Justin (Katie), Jeff (Jill), Rick (Marlo), Kristin (Tim), Jillian (Nate), Tessa, Travis, Ben, Joshua (Molly), Emily (Isaac), Noah, Micah, Jacob (Audrey), Gabe, Nik (Ruby), and Ana, as well as many, many great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her siblings:Jack (Lois) Vredevoogd, Sandy Vredevoogd, Calvin (Jan) Vredevoogd, Larry (Phyllis) Vredevoogd, and Harry Vredevoogd; many nieces and nephews. Also surviving is Joyce Vredevoogd.  Esther was preceded in death by her parents, Cornelius and Dora Vredevoogd, her beloved husband, Alvin (Bud) Schepers, her siblings, Clarence Vredevoogd, Gert Winkle, Dennis Vredevoogd, Wilfred Vredevoogd, Marvin Vredevoogd, as well as by many in-laws.  

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 16, from 4 - 7 PM at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508, where the funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, January 17, with visitation beginning one hour prior. 

Even though Esther is no longer with us, she will forever remain in our hearts. We are completely confident that she is now in Jesus' embrace, reunited with her beloved husband Bud.

Memorial contributions may be made to Careline Hospice of Grand Rapids in recognition of the loving care provided to Esther and her family. The address for Careline Hospice of Grand Rapids is: 770 Kenmoor Ave SE #100, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.