Marcia Boot
October 8th, 1934 - April 14th, 2025
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Marcia's Obituary
Marcia Ann Boot, 90, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, surrounded by her family and resting in the loving arms of her faithful Lord and Savior. She died in the blessed assurance of Christ’s grace.
Marcia was a devoted and caring daughter, wife, mother, and “Nana” who treated everyone with kindness and compassion, seeing each person as a child of God. Born on October 8, 1934, in Lansing, Michigan to Herman and Dena (Vermaire) Battjes, she was raised in Kalamazoo and graduated from Western Michigan University. In 1955, she married her loving husband, Dean, and they made their home in Kalamazoo for over 40 years.
Marcia was a beloved second grade teacher at South Christian Elementary School. She cherished her connections with her students and delighted in hearing from them over the years, reminiscing about the special memories of her class. Marcia served in a variety of ministries, including children’s ministries, special needs ministries, Bible studies, and council at Third Christian Reformed Church and actively participated in the Kalamazoo Christian Schools where all her children attended.
Marcia and Dean retired in South Haven where they spent many days rejoicing in God’s creation, walking along the beach, swimming in Lake Michigan, and watching sunsets with their children and grandchildren. They cherished their 55 years of marriage before Dean entered his eternal home in 2010.
In South Haven, she actively volunteered in children and youth ministries, Stephen’s Ministries, and as an elder at Hope Reformed church, sharing her gifts of service, prayer, and discernment with her community. She was a true friend to all, and her life was enriched by the many friendships she treasured, including those with whom she celebrated life at Covenant Living over the last several years. She called all of you her Dear Ones.
Marcia’s greatest joy was the name of Jesus on the lips of those she loved. With her constant prayer and faithfulness, Marcia witnessed the enduring covenant of God’s love fill the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She never missed a moment to share in their joys, laughter, and hymns of praise.
She is survived by her son, Mike (Laura) Boot of Elmhurst, IL, and two daughters, Lyn (Brett) Van Tol of Spring Lake, and Elizabeth (John) Tanja of Grandville; six grandchildren: Annaliese (Jon) Loo and Nathan (Libby) Boot; Adelyn (Stephen) Wooden and Kylee VanTol; Mitchell (Courtney) Tanja and Katherine (Luke) Austin; and six great-grandchildren: Micah and Audrey Loo; Samuel Wooden; George and Annie Boot; and Tinley Tanja. She is also survived by a brother, Phillip Battjes, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 21 at Covenant Living of the Great Lakes in Grand Rapids. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Marcia’s memory to Noorthoek Academy in Grand Rapids or Covenant Living of the Great Lakes in Grand Rapids.
To those who choose to leave a memory or condolence please visit: www.starksfamilyfh.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
Marcia was a devoted and caring daughter, wife, mother, and “Nana” who treated everyone with kindness and compassion, seeing each person as a child of God. Born on October 8, 1934, in Lansing, Michigan to Herman and Dena (Vermaire) Battjes, she was raised in Kalamazoo and graduated from Western Michigan University. In 1955, she married her loving husband, Dean, and they made their home in Kalamazoo for over 40 years.
Marcia was a beloved second grade teacher at South Christian Elementary School. She cherished her connections with her students and delighted in hearing from them over the years, reminiscing about the special memories of her class. Marcia served in a variety of ministries, including children’s ministries, special needs ministries, Bible studies, and council at Third Christian Reformed Church and actively participated in the Kalamazoo Christian Schools where all her children attended.
Marcia and Dean retired in South Haven where they spent many days rejoicing in God’s creation, walking along the beach, swimming in Lake Michigan, and watching sunsets with their children and grandchildren. They cherished their 55 years of marriage before Dean entered his eternal home in 2010.
In South Haven, she actively volunteered in children and youth ministries, Stephen’s Ministries, and as an elder at Hope Reformed church, sharing her gifts of service, prayer, and discernment with her community. She was a true friend to all, and her life was enriched by the many friendships she treasured, including those with whom she celebrated life at Covenant Living over the last several years. She called all of you her Dear Ones.
Marcia’s greatest joy was the name of Jesus on the lips of those she loved. With her constant prayer and faithfulness, Marcia witnessed the enduring covenant of God’s love fill the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She never missed a moment to share in their joys, laughter, and hymns of praise.
She is survived by her son, Mike (Laura) Boot of Elmhurst, IL, and two daughters, Lyn (Brett) Van Tol of Spring Lake, and Elizabeth (John) Tanja of Grandville; six grandchildren: Annaliese (Jon) Loo and Nathan (Libby) Boot; Adelyn (Stephen) Wooden and Kylee VanTol; Mitchell (Courtney) Tanja and Katherine (Luke) Austin; and six great-grandchildren: Micah and Audrey Loo; Samuel Wooden; George and Annie Boot; and Tinley Tanja. She is also survived by a brother, Phillip Battjes, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 21 at Covenant Living of the Great Lakes in Grand Rapids. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Marcia’s memory to Noorthoek Academy in Grand Rapids or Covenant Living of the Great Lakes in Grand Rapids.
To those who choose to leave a memory or condolence please visit: www.starksfamilyfh.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
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