Virginia Vos

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Virginia Vos lived a life of purpose while holding her loved ones near. She was never one to let things get the best of her, rather, she faced whatever came her way with both grace and courage. Virginia was a loving wife and devoted mother who was thrilled beyond measure to witness her family tree blossom to include the grandchildren and great-grandchildren she adored. Life will never be the same without her here, but she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

The decade that we commonly recall as the Roaring Twenties was an exciting time in America. Innovation was leading the way to knew technologies that forever transformed the way we lived our daily lives. Jazz music was all the rage, the silent film era came to an end, and this was also the decade when the lights of Broadway never shined brighter. Amidst this eventful time was a time of great excitement in the lives of Henry and Jenny (Sinke) Krombeen as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as December dawned in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1923. The big day finally arrived when the baby girl they named Virginia Mae drew her first breath on December 21st. She was one of three Krombeen children as she was raised in the family home alongside her sisters, Adele, Jean, and her step-brothers, Gordon, and Robert Gezon. Virginia was close to all her siblings throughout her life. Her father owned Grand Rapids Builder Supply on Leonard Street in Grand Rapids while her mother was a homemaker. Sadly, Virginia’s mother died at a very young age.

In many ways Virginia was a young girl of her generation. She had the time of her life at the World's Fair in Chicago and loved the roller coaster, “Roller Derby,” at Ramona Terrace. As a child she liked to play piano and ride horses. She was known to hitchhike to the beach with Jean, and with a love for horses she especially enjoyed going to Holland to the horse stable. Virginia attended schools locally, and she graduated from Christian High School.

New and exciting changes were in store for Virginia when she met the man of her dreams. His name was Robert Vos, and they met at the horse stable in Holland. At the time he was serving his country in the Marines, and sparks flew right from the start. They dated for a short time, and with a desire to spend the rest of their lives together they sweethearts were married on October 4, 1943, as Bob was preparing to be sent overseas to serve in WWII. They initially settled in Holland but later moved to Grand Rapids. Together Virginia and Bob welcomed three children including Donald, Steve, and Diane into their hearts and home. As a mother she was actively involved in the lives of her children, and her family was her primary focus. Virginia regularly volunteered to work in the kitchen at her children's school, Mayfield Christian School. As a family they made priceless memories while camping and on vacation to Florida. Later in life Virginia was delighted to become a grandmother to 10 amazing grandchildren, and she also adored her 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Over the years their animals were also like additional members of their family.

In addition to caring for her family, Virginia kept busy in other ways. She and her husband were members of Riverside Christian Reformed Church. Virginia worked some outside of the home as well. Right after finishing high school she worked in her family’s building supply business, and she also did a few jobs here and there to help their family make ends meet. Virginia was a gifted seamstress who enjoyed sewing, and she was also a talented musician. During their retirement years Virginia and Bob wintered in Florida for 25 years, and when there she loved walking the beach and looking for sand dollars. They also took a trip to Spain, made a few trips out West, and also took an Alaskan cruise. When it came to music Virginia enjoyed classic hymns and also big band music and anything from Lawrence Welk. She loved eating out at Russ’ Restaurant, especially for liver and onions. In her own kitchen Virginia was known for her lemon meringue and peanut butter pies. She always did love ice cream, and she was still requesting it every day as recently as two weeks before her death.

All who knew Virginia Vos would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She made the most of the life she was given, and with her fun-loving spirit and great sense of humor she was so much fun to be around. Virginia could also be a bit strong willed when it came to things she was passionate about, but there was nothing that was more near and dear to her heart than her precious family. Although she will be deeply missed, she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever cherish.

Virginia M. Vos, Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on November 17, 2016 with her loving family by her side. Virginia was born on December 21, 1923 the daughter of the late Henry and Jenny (Sinke) Krombeen. She was married to Robert Vos for over 60 years and he preceded her in death in 2010. Also preceding her in death was her son, Donald Vos, grandson, Christopher Vos and her brothers and sisters. Virginia will be remembered as a strong willed, fun-loving and carefree woman who loved music and animals. She was a long-time member of the Riverside Christian Reformed Church. Virginia will be missed by her children, Steve (Sally) Vos of Arkansas and Diane (Peter) Dykstra of Ada; several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 1 PM at Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1933 Plainfield Ave. NE. Friends may visit with her family on Tuesday from 6-8 PM and again at Noon on Wednesday at the chapel. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Sarah Care. Please visit Virginia's personal web page to learn more of her life story, leave a memory or a condolence for the family at www.lifestorynet.com.