Honoring Tradition.
Celebrating Life.

Delores Christians

January 3, 1934 - October 28, 2015
Grand Rapids, MI

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Gift of Life of Michigan
3861 Research Dr.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Life Story / Obituary


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A woman of faith, Delores Christians was a woman who lived to love her Lord, her family, and all who were within her reach.

Despite the hardship of the Great Depression that covered the decade of the 1930s, Theodore and Gertrude (Looman) Zuidema were filled with unspeakable joy as they welcomed the healthy baby girl they named Delores into their hearts on January 3, 1934, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The older of two boys, he was raised in the family home alongside his brother, Ronald. Her father was a pharmacist who was also on the local school board and a township commissioner while her mother was a homemaker.

In many ways, Delores was a typical young girl. She attended Godfrey Elementary School and then went on to graduate from Lee High School in 1951. Delores and her family were members of the 8th Reformed Church where she attended regularly and went to Sunday school and catechism. After high school, she enrolled in Grand Rapids Junior College where she took classes with the intent of becoming a police officer. Delores worked in the office of Wyoming Township and later went to work at a reality office

It was while working at the reality office that a fellow worker introduced Delores to a young man named Robert Christians. They eventually married and lived on the North side. As a home builder, he built them a beautiful home on Comstock Boulevard, and this was where they raised their two daughters, Diane and Caryl. While Robert worked, Delores was able to focus her time and attention on her home and family. When their children were young, they traveled all over Michigan and to various other states in their travel trailer.

In addition to caring for her family, Delores kept busy in other ways as well. She was an active member of Bethel Reformed Church as she took part in various Bible studies and guilds. Delores was also involved in the church kitchen when needed. After that church closed, she became an active member of Fourth Reformed Church.

During her sunset years, Delores continued to be active as much as much as she could. She and Robert enjoyed traveling abroad, but she was deeply saddened with his death in 2000. Delores still bowled some and was on leagues to stay active and be social with her friends. She remained in her home until moving to Heartland Health Care a few months ago where she enjoyed keeping in touch with family and friends.

Happy, outgoing, and a faithful Christian, Delores Christians was a blessing to everyone she met.

Mrs. Delores Christians, aged 81 of Grand Rapids, who was born January 3, 1934, passed away peacefully and was welcomed into her eternal home on Wednesday October 28, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Christians, her parents Ted and Gertrude Zuidema, mother and father-in-law Anthony and Arlene Christians, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jim and Loraine Christians. Surviving are her daughters: Diane Christians and Caryl Christians, her brother Ron (Sue) Zuidema, brothers-in-law Ken (Nanci) Christians, Jack (Ruth) Christians and many nieces and nephews. Delores was a long time member of Bethel Reformed Church and presently a member of 4th Reformed Church. In keeping with Delores’s wishes there will be no funeral services held. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Gift of Life Foundation, 3861 Research Park Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48108, or the charity of ones choice would be appreciated. To share a memory or sign the online register book please visit www.lifestorynet.com