Sandra J. Huttenga's Obituary
Sandra Jean (Cross) Huttenga, 81, of Whitehall died December 3, 2017. She was born October 25, 1936 to William and Tressa (Hagstrom) Cross in Muskegon, Michigan.
She joins her loving husband, Gordon, whom she married in 1957 at Samuel Lutheran Church in Muskegon. They have four children; daughters Beth (Doug) Piernick and Paula (Andy) Stenglein; sons Ed (Sandra) Huttenga and Lee (Kristi) Huttenga. She also leaves behind her dear brothers, Bill (Carol) Cross and Denny (Carlie) Cross and sister-in-law Gwen (Huttenga) Paterson. She was a loving grandmother to 13 grandchildren; Sara (Jack) Woller, Jerrod (Amy) Glover, Ryan (Tara) Glover, Michael (Natalie) Piernick, Katelyn (Kelly) Coon, Kris Stenglein, Lynsey Piernick, Chris (Melissa) Huttenga, Clint Huttenga, Heather Huttenga, Ben Stenglein, Jacob Huttenga, Abigail Huttenga, and 11 great grandchildren.
She was educated in Muskegon Public Schools where she excelled academically and was a varsity cheerleader. She received a BA in Education and went on to receive her Masters from Western Michigan University. Sandra was employed by Whitehall Public Schools as a beloved Kindergarten teacher. She and her husband purchased and managed the Wayside Inn, Montague, MI.
Sandra was an active member of her church, Ferry Memorial Reformed Church, where she was often found knitting prayer shawls, volunteering in the children's church, and serving coffee and cookies. She was a member of the Diversity Woman's Group. Sandra had an eye for art and served as a volunteer at the Muskegon Art Museum.
Sandra's main passion was her family. She was always eager to lend a hand or a shoulder to lean on. Her home was always open for friends and family, and she was the anchor for her extended family. Her applesauce and scones were always sought after. Everyone who knew her spoke of her as a kind and sweet little woman, with a smile for everyone.
A visitation will be held at Evangelical Church, 900 Warner Street, Whitehall on Saturday, December 9 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm with a service to follow directly after. Donations are being accepted for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Ferry Memorial Church.
What’s your fondest memory of Sandra?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sandra?
Share a story where Sandra's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sandra you’ll never forget.
How did Sandra make you smile?