Velma Ruth (Kling) Maatman, age 88, peacefully passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. Velma was preceded in death by her dear husband of 65 years, Kenneth B. Maatman and her parents, Arthur and Ida Kling and loving stepmother, Lillian Kling and her brother Fred Kling. Velma is survived by her daughters, Karen (Dr. Lee) Strohl and Laura Huizenga, and son, Dr. Thomas (Jill) Maatman, grandchildren, Katherine Strohl, Sarah (Patrick) O’Donnell, John (Amanda) Maatman, Dr. Benjamin (Lesley) Maatman, Dr. Thomas K. Maatman, and David Huizenga, great grandchildren, Madeline, Nora, and Alexandra O’Donnell, and Anthony and Sidney Maatman. Velma is also survived by her sister, Marilyn (Howard) Schuitema and many nieces and nephews. Velma was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on February 20, 1928. She graduated from South High School and from Aquinas College, Suma-Cum-Laude. Velma devoted her life to her family and church. She enjoyed world travel, reading, tennis, biking and playing bridge and she loved Lake Michigan. Velma was an active member of the Women’s City Club, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and the Water’s Guild at Blodgett Hospital where she volunteered taking baby photos for over 40 years. Velma strove for perfection and always took extra time and care to provide a special touch to everything she did. The family would like to thank the staff at Heather Hills Retirement Village for their loving and wonderful care. Thank you to Rachel Brown (Helpers of Holland Home) for her friendship, support, and care of Velma. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 1 at 12:00 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids. Pastor Chuck Steiner officiating. The family will meet with friends and relatives one hour prior to the service at the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Fredrick Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline Ave. N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49525.
