Sue Ann Wierenga

Sue Ann Wierenga, of Wyoming, MI, daughter of Arnold Weston Heath and Doris May Heath (Gardner), died peacefully in her sleep on the morning of October 18, 2023 in Grand Rapids, MI. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Harvey Allen Wierenga, her parents, and brother Louis Heath. She is survived by Harvey & Connie, Michelle and Bob, and Jon, grandchildren Brandon (Kelsea), Matthew (Laura), Justin (Katie), Alicia (Joel), and Austin, and great-grandchildren Aubrey, Bailey, Josie, Elyse, Eliana, and Winnie, and brothers and sisters Butch Heath, David and Karen Heath, Cheryl and Larry Seeley, Wilma and Ted Westerman, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was born and graduated from High School in Baldwin, MI in 1956, met the love of her life on a blind date in 1955, and was married on September 1, 1956.

Her life was defined by service, from serving as President of the PTA and an adviser for Girl Scouts and 4-H, to leading youth groups in her church, being a cheerleading coach, organizing socials, and helping to run the church personal care pantry. Additionally, she volunteered at UCOM (United Church Outreach Ministry), which primarily served the Hispanic community in that area.

She became of member of the church in 1963 and continued in service to the end of her life in 2023 – 60 years of service. For many of those years, her home was one of the social hubs of church and family. She held many jobs to help support her family, from selling Tupperware and Sarah Coventry jewelry, working at Arby’s, becoming an assistant manager, and eventually retiring from there. Her job at Arby’s opened up another sphere of influence as she worked with and mentored many young people who passed through. Many of those workers still call her “mom”.

Sue rarely felt there was something she couldn’t do, and one of her favorite sayings was “You only have to do something the first time once” – meaning something always would be easier after the first time.

Sue was a very strong woman of faith that didn’t feel service to others diminished her in any way – rather, that service was the foundation of her strength. She left this life at peace, confident in her faith in God, and ready to wait for her awakening.

There will be a Celebration of Life at 1:00 pm on November 5th at the Grandville-Jenison Congregational Church at 3900 Henry St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to: United Church Outreach Ministry, 1311 Chicago Dr. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509, or online at United Church Outreach Ministry :: Donate Now (ucomgr.org), an organization Sue volunteered at for many years.