Grace Virginia Vanderbeek

Grace V. Vanderbeek, age 85, of Ithaca, died Sunday, December 13, at Mid-Michigan Medical Center in Midland.

Grace was born June 15, 1930, in Detroit, the daughter of Richard and Anna (Steinecke) Randel.  She married William Vanderbeek on July 9, 1955 in Alma. He preceded her in death on August 12, 2006.  She graduated from MSU with a Bachelors Degree and from University of Michigan with her Masters Degree.  She then taught 8 years at Allen Park Schools and two years at Stanton Public Schools, before spending 30 years teaching junior high at Alma Public Schools, where she taught English, Reading, History and Journalism.  She was instrumental in originating the Alma Wildcat Gazette.  She also coached junior high volleyball for many years.

Grace was very health conscious and enjoyed biking outdoors around Ithaca, in later years accompanied by her granddaughter, Heidi.  She also was an avid bowler, bowling at either Town and Country or the 300 Bowl.  She continued bowling until she was 84.  While at MSU she enjoyed fencing.

Grace loved music and fine arts.  She was a fan of MSU football and Spartan Marching Band, and was a sponsor for the Gratiot County Players and the Wharton Center.

She enjoyed her back yard and tended her flower garden through the summer, and her bird feeders through the winter.

Grace and Bill supported agriculture and education, and especially enjoyed supporting 4-H.  The Gratiot County 4-H Fair Office in Alma  was named after them.

Grace was an active member of the Ithaca First Presbyterian Church, where she served for several years as an Elder.  She was a life member of the Alma Elks Lodge and MSU Alumni Association.

Grace is survived by her son, Rick (Kathy) Vanderbeek, of Ithaca; and her pride and joy, her granddaughter, Heidi Vanderbeek, of Ithaca; her sister-in-law, Joanne Vanderbeek of Alma; her brother-in-law, Eldon “Bus” (Margaret) Adams, of Stanton; and nieces and nephews: Rebecca, Laurie, James, Martha, Doug, Kathy, Jane, and Alan.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Frank Randel; and her sister, Marion Schema.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, December 19, at the Ithaca First Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Joseph Novak officiating.  Interment will follow in Ithaca Cemetery.  Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, December 18, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Ithaca First Presbyterian Church or to Gratiot Fair for Youth.