Allison Ruth Van Skiver

It is with immense sadness that we share the loss of Allison Ruth Van Skiver.  She died unexpectedly on Sunday, October 7, 2018.  Allison was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend and mentor to so many.

Allison was gifted in so many ways.  She had a love for working with young people which led her to pursue many different career paths. 

Allison was a graduate of Grand Valley State University (GVSU) where she majored in Communications.  During this time she led youth groups and through her love of this work, she felt called to attend Western Theological Seminary where she received a Masters of Religious Education. While at seminary she led a combined youth group from First Congregational UCC and Rockford UMC.  After completing her MRE she moved to Chicago to pursue a Masters of Divinity.  While settling in Chicago and looking for part time work she was offered a full time position as a Campus Minister at Holy Trinity High School.  It was there that her love of guiding high school students drew her back to GVSU where she obtained her Masters of Education in School Counseling.

After receiving her Masters of Education she continued leading youth groups including East Congregational UCC.  Her desire to mentor high school students continued to be a passion.  She applied at Wellspring Preparatory High School and was employed there as a high school counselor.  She touched so many lives of students and families.

Allison was a graduate of Creston High School where she was the Senior Class President.  She also starred in several musicals including The Wizard of Oz where she played the cowardly lion.  At Creston Allison made many lifelong friends who remain close to this day.  She was the infamous hostess of “Camelotapalooza”, where a good time seemed to be had by all! 

She loved her family and one of her favorite places to spend time was the family cottage “Camelot” on Lake Michigan.  She spent many summers there with family and friends, always up for a game of Tripoley and always capturing the best sunset photos.

Allison is survived by her father and mother, Bill and Laura Van Skiver, Brother Bill (Mary), and Sister Gilda Sorenson.  She had a very special relationship with her nephews and nieces, Carson, Davis, Cassidy, and Dylan Van Skiver and Cole and Emma Sorenson.  Allison is also survived by Kirk Sorenson, Eric Crawford, Aunt Susie Scholl and cousins and their families.

There will be a Memorial Service for Allison Friday, October 19, 2018 at 3:00 PM at Second Congregational Church, UCC 525 Cheshire Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. The family will greet friends 2 hours prior to the service.

At the request of the Van Skiver family, please make any donations in remembrance of Allison to the Wellspring Prep PTO. A memorial scholarship will be established in Allison’s name. Wellspring Prep, a college preparatory high school in Grand Rapids, was Allison’s home the past 4 years. The Allison Van Skiver Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a senior student in financial need with high moral character and strong academic achievement.

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