Melinda Ruth Hamstra

October 31, 1959 - September 7, 2016

Melinda Ruth Hamstra, aged 56, passed into the presence of her Heavenly Father on September 7, 2016, following a 5-year journey with cancer. Melinda was a Zeelander all her life, born to Alan and Donna Sytsma on Halloween in 1959. Melinda graduated from Zeeland High School in 1977 and married the love of her life, Stephen, on August 24, 1978. While Steve studied at Michigan State, Melinda worked for Capital Savings and Loan. After college they returned to Zeeland and started a family. Melinda worked as an Administrative Assistant at Zeeland Public Schools and Peace Reformed Church for many years. Melinda is survived by her husband; Stephen, children; Chris & Caitlin Hamstra, Alison & Chris Major, and Sean & Katelyn Hamstra. She adored her 5 grandchildren; Eleanor Hamstra, Ewan & Gwyneth Major, Wyatt & Annabel Hamstra. She is survived by her mother-in-law; JoAnn Hamstra, and siblings Diane & David Hansen and Jack & Mardee Sytsma, in-law siblings; Sandra Hamstra, Pam & Skip Leeson, Barbara & Ashok Thanki, as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Melinda was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Steven Sytsma and father-in-law; Calvin Hamstra. Visitation with the Hamstra Family will be from 1-3 pm & 6-9 pm Thursday, September 15, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland 49464. A service to honor the faith and life of Melinda Hamstra will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, September 16, 2016, at Grace Chapel by the Lakeshore, 9530 Woodbridge, Zeeland 49464. Memorial donations may be made to the Ride for the Relay - American Cancer Society, 63 East Central Park Plaza, Jacksonville, Illinois 62650.