Carol M. Ritsema

Carol M. Ritsema, age 87 of Kalamazoo, passed away on January 5, 2026 surrounded by family. She was born on August 11, 1938, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Dewey and Sinnie (TeBos) Munting. Carol was a 1956 graduate of Mattawan High School. On August 17, 1956, she married Robin Ritsema. They were blessed with six children, and her deep commitment to her family was evident in everything she did. A loving mother and grandmother, she is remembered for her blissful choruses of "You Are My Sunshine" and "Jesus Loves Me." Carol took great pride in managing her household and actively volunteered at her church, Loaves and Fishes, Park Village Pines, among other organizations. She held a part-time position at the Mattawan Middle School library and worked in several other roles over the course of her life. She was a member of Second Christian Reformed Church and was attending Texas Corners Bible Church. She lived her life honoring the Golden Rule and her Faith in God. Carol and Robin enjoyed traveling numerous road journeys; however, Carol's most valued destination remained her home on Crooked Lake. She is survived by her children: Mark (Darlene) Ritsema, John Ritsema (Vickie Smittendorf), Cherlyn Ritsema, Lisa Horton, Michelle (Bill) Covell, and Sara (Cormick) Raden; her grandchildren: Andrea Rose, Jeremy (Melisa) Ritsema, Zachary (Kasey) Ritsema, Trevor (Melissa) Ritsema, Nathaniel Horton, Andrew (Shawna) Covell, Samantha Covell, Cameron Raden, Alexandra Raden (Taurean Resseguie), and Cade (Megan) Raden; her great-grandchildren: Ellie Rose, McKenna, Owen, Noah, Charlie, Morgan Ritsema, and Genesis Clark, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Robin, her parents, her siblings: Alice Munting, Beatrice Koning, Nancy Kramer, Claudine Powers, and Gerald Munting. Friends may visit with Carol's family on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 10:00-11:00 AM, at Texas Corners Bible Church, 7780 S. 8th Street, Kalamazoo, where her funeral service will at 11:00 AM, with Elder Jon Carr officiating. Donations in memory of Carol may be made to Animal Rescue Project (The Charles and Lynn Zhang Animal Rescue Center). Please share memories and condolences at www.langelands.com