Florence Soodsma

Florence Soodsma, aged 92, of Kentwood, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, November 20, 2008. She was born March 28, 1916 to parents Abe and Nellie Heemstra. Florence was an accomplished pianist and also was organist at Sunday services at Aurora Pond Residence. She loved to cook and care for her family. Florence enjoyed traveling, especially after her husband, Herb Soodsma, retired. They visited every state as well as many foreign countries and took many Caribbean cruises. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Steven Niewiek; and a sister, Kathleen VerHulst. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Herb Soodsma; three children, Marilyn (James) Niewiek, Junelle Papke, and LeeAnn Soodsma; six grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Harold Heemstra, Kenneth (Patricia) Heemstra; sister-in-law, Lena DeRitter; and brother-in-law, Rev. Kenneth VerHulst. Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, November 22, at Trinity United Reformed Church, 7350 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, with Rev. Brian Vos officiating. Interment will take place at Winchester Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity URC Building Fund or Zion Christian School. The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home and Saturday one hour prior to the service at the church. STROO FUNERAL HOME 1095 68TH ST. SE www.stroofuneralhome.com