Barbara Jean (Wipperfurth) DeWitt

Barbara Jean De Witt, age 94, of Grand Haven, MI, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 4, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on February 11, 1931, in Grand Haven, MI, to the late William and Elizabeth (Alna) Wipperfurth. Barbara married Kenneth De Witt on January 5, 1952, in Spring Lake, MI. He preceded her in death on July 6, 2007, after 55 years of marriage.

Barb grew up in Spring Lake and later moved to Grand Haven. She received her bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University, and her master's degree from Wayne State University. Barb worked as a Reading Specialist for Grand Haven Area Public Schools for 19 years.

Barb and her family were active members of the Spring Lake Presbyterian Church where she served on various committees. Later in life, she became a member of First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven. She was active in several community organizations including: Grand Haven PEO (charter member), Legacy Society of Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, 100 Women Who Care, and the Spring Lake Yacht Club.

Barb and Ken enjoyed traveling the world, including Europe, China, Egypt, and Russia. She spent the winter months at her home in Sarasota, FL and loved her friends and activities there.

Barb is lovingly remembered and missed by her four daughters and their families: Susan De Witt Armstrong of Grand Rapids, MI, and her children: Nicholas (Andrea), William (Susan) and James (Blythe) Armstrong; Julie (Michael) Bullerdick of Sarasota, FL and their children: Katherine (Greg) Koch, Michelle (Greg) McSwain, and Robert Bullerdick; Sarah (Maurice) Follen of Naples, FL and Spring Lake, MI, and their children: Meghan (Kyle) French, Nathan Follen, and Patrick (Emily) Follen; Carey (John) Korpi of Grand Haven, MI, and their children: Sarah (Wally) Harrison, Barbara (Eric) Trout, and Kenneth (Natalie) Korpi.

Also surviving are her 17 great-grandchildren: Eleanor, Julius & Penelope Armstrong; Kenneth Armstrong; Kendall & Miles Koch; Greyson & Everett McSwain; Myla, Delainey & Welles French; Sawyer, Eli & Jude Harrison; Ruby Trout; and Ronan & Sulo Korpi.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; granddaughter, Paige Elizabeth Follen; three brothers: William (Diana), Jerry (Anita), and Kurt (Janice) Wipperfurth; brother-in-law, Stuart (Maryellen) De Witt; and nieces, Elizabeth Wipperfurth Aeling and Sharon De Witt.

The Funeral Service for Barb will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Troy Hauser Brydon and Barb's grandson, Pastor Wally Harrison officiating. Visitations will be held the evening prior on Thursday, December 11th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, as well as one hour prior to the service Friday at the church. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery for immediate family.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Kenneth & Barbara De Witt Scholarship Fund c/o G.H.A.C.F. or the Momentum Center.

The family would like to thank Colleen O'Brien, Reka Buitenhuis, and the Trinity Health at Home Hospice team for their compassionate care.

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