Diane Irene (Eckhart) Sytsma

05/31/1944

03/15/2019

Visitation

Saturday, March 23

6-8 PM

Sunday, March 24 at 2 PM

Funeral

Sunday, March 24 at 3 PM

Memorial Contributions

Forest Hills Baptist Church

Mission Fund

Diane Irene (Eckhart) Sytsma, age 74, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 15, 2019. Diane was born on May 31, 1944. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dick and Evelyn Eckhart; and brother, Don Eckhart. Diane is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Jim Sytsma; children, Don (Kris) Sytsma, Keith (Nancy) Sytsma, Dann (Tara) Sytsma; eight grandchildren, Brynn, Brandy, Colton, Jessy, Austin, Amy, Max and Lucy; sister, Pat (George) VanderLaan; together with many sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends. Diane was very social, constantly sending letters and cards of encouragement to individuals and families, especially missionary families. She had a great love for family and was a devoted mom and grandma. Diane enjoyed bird watching and found comfort and peace watching them in the last few months knowing she would be with Jesus. She was a long time active member of Forest Hills Baptist Church, involved in many aspects of ministry, and was especially fond of teaching Sunday school. Visitation will be Saturday, March 23 from 6-8 PM at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Funeral services will be Sunday, March 24 at 3 PM at Forest Hills Baptist Church, 3900 E Fulton St, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Jeff Burr officiating. Interment Cascade Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Diane’s name to the Missions Fund at Forest Hills Baptist Church.

Sign the Guestbook

7 Responses

  1. My heart goes out to Jim, Don, Keith, and Dann. Our families have many special memories together including vacations. Diane and I were best friends for 49+ years and I am especially thankful for the time I had with her when Jim went hunting last fall. Looking forward to seeing her in heaven. So thankful for that blessed hope we have in Jesus.

  2. We have many good memories of Diane when we lived in Michigan .
    I’m sure she will be missed by many. Had such a loving personality.
    There is no doubt she is with Jesus now.
    So sorry Jim for your loss.

    Gary & Gaila Morris

  3. So very sorry for your loss! Much love and many prayers for comfort!

  4. So sorry to hear of your loss Jim, Keith and family! Diane was always such an encouragement to me via FB checking up on me and sending uplifting messages. I know you will miss her so much and praying that all the wonderful memories of life with her and the Lord will give you great comfort in this hard time. So glad for the promise of eternity and salvation. she is definitely in a better place with her Savior and no more pain! Bessings to you all!

  5. I have known Jim and Dianne since I was 6 years old and had her as a Sunday school teacher, Awana and VBS leader and an adopted Mom, I will miss her and her prayers for our family and church. Till we all see HIM face to face together In Christ Kim and Dave Cvetich

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.