Elizabeth Anne (Kakuk) Slootmaker

Elizabeth Ann Slootmaker passed peacefully in her sleep at home on the morning of Saturday, November 27, 2021. She will be dearly missed by her daughters, Estelle Slootmaker (Eddie Kurlowicz) and Sandra Blackwell; stepson Larry Hose (Cathy); grandchildren Andrew Davis, Eddie Davis (Hannan Saeed), Rob Davis (Jennifer Blase), Lauren Davis (Alyson Bennett), Caitlin Boyce (Nick Jensen), Gage Gray, and CJ Blackwell; great grandchildren, Sulayman, Mohammed, and Maryam Davis; and brother, Louis Kakuk (Jeannette). She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Boyce Andrew Slootmaker; parents, Magdalene, Mary and Louis Kakuk, and siblings, Frank, Rose, and John Kakuk. 

Liz dedicated her life to Boyce, her daughters, and grandchildren.

A true homemaker, she created a harbor from the storm where her family was comfortable, well fed, and smiling. She prepared momentous home-cooked meals, especially on holidays, that always included mountains of mashed potatoes and home baked pies. She was an avid gardener, seamstress, needleworker, and reader—everything from Dostoevsky and the history of Hungary to modern psychology and the Bible, her most read book. She spent many years learning the Hungarian language as part of the Grand Rapids area Hungarian Club. She also spent time as a Girl Scout leader, Sunday School teacher, and modeled vintage dresses as a Rodeo Belle for one of the first City of Wyoming Rodeos. Her grandchildren remember walks in the woods, catching frogs at the swamp, swimming in the pool, and her besting them at Nintendo Super Mario. Before the internet, grandchildren could simply ask Grandma a question and she would invariably know or find the answer. She never forgot a birthday and always picked out the perfect Hallmark card for every occasion.

Liz had a keen wit, a sharp intellect, a great sense of humor, and a deep passion for meeting her loved ones’ every need, even if it meant committing to an outlandish comical ruse in real time. Life will not be the same without her.

Burial took place December 1 at Grandville Cemetery. A memorial service and luncheon will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday December 29, 2021 at Wyoming United Methodist Church, 2244 Porter St. SW, Wyoming, MI 49519. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to ASIF (adaptive sports fund).

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