Ardythe "Ardy" K. Veldsma

Ardythe “Ardy” K. Veldsma, age 88, entered her eternal home with the Lord on Friday, February 20, 2026, at StoryPoint Rockford. She was born April 13, 1937, in Wyoming Township, Michigan, to Gabriel and Jessie (Post) Quakkelaar.

Ardy lived a life marked by quiet faith, steady devotion, and deep love for her family. She worked in retail for many years, where her kindness, patience, and gentle spirit reflected the grace she carried in her heart.

She found joy in life’s simple blessings. An avid reader, Ardy was rarely without a good book nearby. She enjoyed knitting and sewing, faithfully creating beautiful and practical pieces for those she loved. Ardy also loved playing the piano and would occasionally share her music with her fellow residents at StoryPoint, bringing joy and comfort through song.

She treasured traveling with her beloved husband, David, in their motorhome, grateful for the gift of time together and the beauty of God’s creation along the open road. She enjoyed golfing with friends and valued the fellowship and laughter those outings brought. She especially loved the water and found great happiness swimming in Lake Michigan. The shoreline was one of her favorite places — a setting that reminded her of peace, renewal, and the majesty of God’s handiwork.

Above all, Ardy cherished her family. As the devoted mother of an only child, she shared a uniquely close bond with her daughter, Susan, and took immense pride in her grandchildren and great-grandsons. Her love was steadfast and unconditional — a reflection of the faith that guided her life.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan (Jim) Diamantoni; granddaughters, Dana Truesdell, Kendra (Casey McPeck) DeBoer, Kelly (Trevor) Post, and Danielle (Michael “Mickey” Mann) Diamantoni; great-grandsons, Adam, Wyatt, Jude, and Liam; siblings, Eleanor (Dick) Landstra and Ken (Martha) Quakkelaar; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Veldsma; her son-in-law, Ronald "Dozer" Truesdell; and her parents.

The family will greet friends at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 24, at K.E. Pike Funeral Home, with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Father Steven McCarthy. Interment will take place at Rest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ardy’s name to CorsoCare Hospice, 950 Corporate Office Drive Suite 150 Milford, Ml 48381 or StoryPoint Rockford, 2885 10 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341 Attention: Veldsma Memorial.

“Her hands created, her heart loved, her life reflected the grace of God — and her joy lives on in all who knew her.”