Nancy Gebben

Nancy Gebben, 80, of Zeeland, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, May 3, 2026. Nancy met the world with empathy and a drive to care for others. Her husband, children, grandchildren, friends, family, and her many young students were gifted the deep care she extended. Nancy was born on October 15, 1945, in Holland, MI to Donald and Ada Ver Hulst. She grew up in the city of Holland and attended Van Raalte Elementary School, E.E. Fell Junior High, and graduated from Holland High School in 1963. She still has cherished friendships from her HPS days. She then attended Hope College for one year, (and enjoyed a Vienna May Term) before transferring to Grand Valley State College where she was a part of the first graduating class in 1967. Nancy and Dennis met on a ski trip in college and were married within a year, as they knew they had found their person. They supported each other through graduate school, field work in New Mexico (living in a pop-up tent tailor in the desert with a toddler!), career changes, raising and launching their children, and sprinkled in their somewhere, dance lessons. It was always a joy to see Dennis and Nancy dance together. Dennis and Nancy were active members of Third Reformed Church in Holland. Nancy supported Third’s Children’s Ministry her whole life. She was baptized and raised at Third Reformed and cherished the community there. In retirement, Nancy and Dennis thrived on their farm where they nurtured their love of horses. Riding, breeding, grooming, and cleaning the barn together brought them great joy. Nancy loved all animals, and her horses, barn cats, and beloved dogs over the years benefited from her unwavering devotion. Nancy took riding lessons into her late seventies and made many “barn friends” who grew to be much more. Nancy loved her grandchildren. She was always there with a hug, a song, a craft, or a beloved book. Her presence was felt and cherished by her little crew of six. Nancy loved her children. She walked alongside them through many seasons, always listening, and always advocating. She was an awesome mom. Nancy took her calling to teach and to provide a strong and loving foundation for her students seriously. While her children were young, she taught at Cherry Lane Preschool. She then went on to get her Masters in Early Childhood Education from Western Michigan University and returned back to her alma mater, HPS. Nancy was a brilliant early childhood educator who wanted the best for all students and their families. She also met some life-long friends. Nancy taught for HPS for 17 years, from 1987 to her retirement in 2004. In her retirement interview she wrote that “although I have participated in many conferences over the years, I believe I always learned the most from the children and staff at HPS.” When asked what her special plans were for retirement she wrote, “Learn to play like a 2-year-old, learn to ride like the wind (or at least a gentle breeze), learn to cook as well as her husband (once a week)…and enjoy Sunday evenings with a book other than her lesson plan book.” She is greatly missed by her family, who are thankful for all she brought to us and to the world. She loved well, and she was deeply loved. Dennis preceded her in death on March 16, 2025. Nancy is survived by her children, and grandchildren, Dan Gebben, Katie and Dayne Jarvis (Josie Kotowski and her fiancé Erek Pilarski, Stella Kotowski, Addy and Julio Torres, and Gabe Jarvis), Kristin and Duncan Jackson (Lily Jackson), Kara and John Green (Penny Green, Lucy Green, and Owen Green), sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Helen Ver Hulst, Barb Schmidt, Ruth and Ron Grassmid, John and Jan Gebben, Steve and Bev Gebben and many extended family members. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, May 8, 2026, at Third Reformed Church, 111 W. 13th Street, Holland MI 49423. A time of visitation and refreshments will follow the service in the church fellowship area. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Holland Education Foundation, hollandeducationfoundation.org. Arrangements are by the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 South State Street, Zeeland MI 49464. wwww.yntemafh.com

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Nancy Gebben

October 15, 1945 - May 3, 2026