Anne Heyboer

All who knew Anne Heyboer would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was a woman of faith who lived her life selflessly putting the needs of others ahead of her own. Anne was a devoted wife and loving mother who was filled with unspeakable joy to welcome grandchildren into the family along the way. When it came to her loved ones, Anne was protective when needed as she would do whatever she could for her family and friends. She was known for her hard work, yet she also took the time to enjoy life along the way in her own fun-loving way. With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Anne created a timeless collection of memories that will remain a lasting treasure in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her.

The 1930s were some of the most trying days we have faced as a nation as the Great Depression covered the United States and much of the world throughout the entire decade. Job loss was a part of life, which sent the unemployment rate soaring, and countless American families lost their homes. Although times were challenging, the American spirit still remained as we witnessed the completion of the Empire State Building as well as the Chrysler Building while work on Mount Rushmore continued during this time as well. Despite the challenges around them, Louis and Anna (Steensma) Orange were able to shift their focus to an exciting time in their own lives as they were eagerly anticipating the birth of their baby as the heat of the summer held the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, firmly in its grip. The big day finally arrived when the baby girl they named Anne Mae drew her first breath on August 10, 1938. Although she was an only child, she was very close to Nancy, Marilyn, and Phyllis, and always considered them to be her sisters.

In many ways, Anne was a young girl of her generation. She was raised on the West Side in a home that was deeply rooted in the Christian faith. Anne attended West Side Christian School, and as a family they attended West Leonard Christian Reformed Church. Anne’s father worked as a supervisor at American Seating while her mother was a busy wife, mother, and homemaker. She was musically gifted and enjoyed playing the clarinet and piano, and she also sang in the church choir. Anne’s high school years found her at Grand Rapids Christian High School, and she graduated in the mid-fifties.

Throughout her life there was nothing that Anne treasured more than her loved ones. She was a fantastic mother to her three children, Tim, Lou Anne, and Steven, and she took great care in nurturing her children. Anne’s life was forever changed when she met Ed Heyboer, and after dating for a time they found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Anne and Ed were married in 1975. They made their home at 1321 Pine Grove in Grand Rapids, and with their union Anne welcomed Ed’s children, Cathy, Susan, John and Edward, into her heart. She deeply loved her family and was protective of them, too, and she did everything she could to help her loved ones be their best. To help support her family, Anne worked at various places including Bylsma Ice Cream Parlor and American Seating, and she also worked as the secretary of Washington Park Memorial Gardens and as a cashier at St. Mary’s Hospital. Of course she was also an amazing homemaker as well.

Anne maintained an active lifestyle and enjoyed keeping busy with the people and things she enjoyed. She was an amazing party planner and loved dressing up, wearing hats, and dressing up in costume. For years Anne and Ed left Michigan behind during the winter season to enjoy the warmth and sunshine in Florida as she loved being at the beach. Over the years they also enjoyed cruises together. When eating out, Anne loved Fricano’s Pizza, and ice cream and chocolate milk were also favorites. She enjoyed playing dominoes, watching old movies and was known to chew on pork chop bones and blow watermelon seeds.

During her later years, Anne began showing signs of dementia. Eventually, she went to live at Stonebridge Manor, and on December 18, 2013, Ed died. Anne continued on with the love and support of her family.

Outgoing, loving, and active, Anne Heyboer lived life to the fullest each day. She was never one to be concerned with the things of this world, rather, Anne was focused on nurturing and caring for her husband, children, and grandchildren. She worked hard and used her gifts and abilities to bring glory to her Lord and Savior. Friendly, outgoing, and genuine, Anne will be deeply missed.

HEYBOER Mrs. Anne M. Heyboer, age 76, went to be with her Lord on Monday May 4, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward. Anne is survived by her children, Tim Dreyer, Lou Anne Dreyer, and Steven (Erica) Dreyer; stepchildren, Susan (Greg) Graverson, John Heyboer, and Edward Heyboer; grandchildren, Sami, Grady, Finley, Cassie, Tyler, Johnny, Marissa, and Morgan; and great-grandchild, Madelyn. Also surviving are her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Cassie (Jerry) Brecker, Al (Jackie) Dykhuizen, and Ardeth Heyboer. A service of celebration and reflection on her life will be held on Monday, May 11, 2015 at 1 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van’t Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard St NW, Relatives and friends may meet with her family on Sunday, May 10, from 6-8PM at the chapel. Contributions in her memory to Spectrum Health Hospice would be appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read her lifestory, archive a memory, photo, or sign the guestbook online.